forbidden knitter

FOREIGN STRAND SALE NOW ON!

2008-07-09T20:00:00.014+01:00

Hello everyone, here we are, the sale that you all been waiting for!

SALE WILL CARRY ON UNTIL EVERYTHING IS GONE!

What to do to place an order?
1 - email me the items name and quantity here Please write FOREIGN STRAND ORDER in the subject box, thanks! if you have problems with the link please send me your order at forbiddenknitter@yahoo.co.uk
2 - include your full delivery address and a contact phone number (needed for payment)
3 - I will call you to obtain your card details which will be processed through WorldPay.
4 - Postage will be calculated for the total weight of the parcel and you will be advised over the phone.

All orders will be sent 1st class only, a proof of posting will be obtain at the post office. Below is a table of postal charges for your perusal:

Weight
0-100g - £1.14
101-250g - £1.45
251-500g - £1.94
501-750g - £2.51
751-1000g - £3.08
1001-1250g - £4.30
1251-1500g - £5.00
1501-1750g - £5.70
1751-2000g - £6.40
2001-4000g - £8.22
Each additional 2kg or part there of £2.80

AMERICAN BUFFALO YARN

American Buffalo Designs are made from the soft undercoat of the American Buffalo and processed in the first and only complete buffalo hair processing plant in the world located in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Garments made from the American buffalo hair can get wet and be worn in the snow and rain. They can be washed and do not shrink.

Skeins available: 3
Price: was £41.00 NOW £30 each

AMOR DE FIO - STITCHMARKERS

Amor de Fio stitch markers are handmade from the highest quality materials... sterling silver wire and carefully selected beads and gemstones. They come in two sizes: small, designed to fit needles up to size 6.5 mm (US 10.5) and large, for needles up to size 10 mm (US 15) They come in sets of four on a sterling silver ring for safe storage.

Mama Loves Pearl - small - Pink mother of pearl with a precious freshwater pearl ... lovely sweetness.
Available: 2
Price: was £15.50 NOW £9.50

Cocoa Loves Caramel - large - A golden mother of pearl surrounded by swirls of brown, gold and white glass. Delicious indeed!
Available: 3
Price: was £17.50 NOW £11.50

Lola Loves Latte - large - Yummy ivory and browns with a turquoise glass accent... like a latté in a beautiful cup.
Available: 4
Price: was £17.50 NOW £11.50

Molly Loves Mocha - large - Gorgeous chocolate brown and cream swirled mother of pearl, with a pure cream dollop in the middle. Mmmm.
Available: 2
Price: was £17.50 NOW £11.50

ARAUCANíA YARN - RANCO MULTY

Araucanía Yarns is a group of artisans and designers in Santiago, Chile, dedicated to the artisan dyeing of fibres for weaving and knitting. They produce exclusive ranges of colours and natural yarns and fibres, based on a careful handcrafted process. Each fibre is carefully selected from providers around the world (from Patagonian Wool to the Peruvian Alpaca, from Turkish Angora to Egyptian Cotton) to offer the best textures possible.

Fingering-weight sock yarn in 100gm skeins.

Composition: 75% Wool / 25% Polyamide
Weight: 100 grams
Length: approx. 344 metres / 376 yards
Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3)
Knit Gauge: 24 sts per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Gentle machine wash, spin or tumble dry, dry flat, out of direct heat and sunlight

*Important Notice* As there are no dye lots, we reccomend buying enough yarn at one time to complete each individual project. Knit with two hanks in assorted rows (2-4). This will assure an overall blended effect.

PT494 (BLUE)
Available: 9

PT497 (GREEN)
Available: 9

PT493 (BROWN / TURQUOISE)
Available: 7

PT502 (PURPLE)
Available: 6

Price: was £7.90 NOW £5.00 each

ARAUCANíA YARN - RANCO SOLID

Fingering-weight sock yarn in 100gm skeins.

Composition: 75% Wool / 25% Polyamide
Weight: 100 grams
Length: approx. 344 metres / 376 yards
Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3)
Knit Gauge: 24 sts per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Gentle machine wash, spin or tumble dry, dry flat, out of direct heat and sunlight

*Important Notice* As there are no dye lots, we reccomend buying enough yarn at one time to complete each individual project. Knit with two hanks in assorted rows (2-4). This will assure an overall blended effect.

PT486 (BROWN)
Available: 9

PT492 (PINK)
Available: 3

PT487 (RED)
Available: 6

PT490 (GREEN)
Available: 8

Price: was £7.90 NOW £5.00 each

ARAUCANíA

Araucanía Sock pattern knitted with the Araucanía sock yarn.
Yarn:
1 x 100g hanks of Araucanía Solid or Multy
Needles:
3.25 mm (US 3) double pointed needles x 5
Gauge: 7.5 sts x 10.5 rows = 1" square

Available: 7
Price: was £2.20 NOW £1.50

ARTESANO ALPACA YARN - HUMMINGBIRD

Artesano Yarn is made from the best quality superfine and baby alpaca. All their yarns are made using only one thing.....100% pure alpaca fibre.

A double knit sock weight yarn. 1 hank makes a pair of socks.

Composition: 100% Alpaca
Weight: 150 grams
Length: approx. 300 metres / 327 yards
Needles: 4 mm (US 6)
Knit Gauge: 22 sts in 30 rows per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Hand wash, dry clean, do not tumble dry, dry flat, out of direct heat and sunlight

Lapwing - (E838)
Available: 5

Lourie
Available: 4

Lovebird (E859)
Available: 4

Peregrine (E842)
Available: 5

Pheasant (E860)
Available: 4

Starling
Available: 5

Woodpecker
Available: 4

Price: was £14.00 NOW £10 each

ARTESANO ALPACA PATTERNS FOR HUMMINGBIRD

Patterns by Jean Moss and Jeanette Sloan using Hummingbird yarn.

Baby Blanket
Available: 1

Papoose
Available: 2

Laced
Available: 2

Deco
Available: 2

Hottie Cover
Available: 2

Earflap Hat
Available: 2

Twister
Available: 1

Jazz
Available: 2

Floral Socks
Available: 5

Stripe Socks
Available: 5

Ninja Socks
Available: 1

Twist Socks
Available: 5

Rapt
Available: 2

Snug
Available: 2

Storm
Available: 2

Hug
Available: 2

Graffiti
Available: 2

Chill
Available: 2

Price: was £2.10 NOW £1.50

BRITTANY CROCHET HOOKS

These beautiful crochet hooks are made in Northern California of sustainably harvested domestic birch hardwood. The Brittany Guarantee: All Brittany Birch products are guaranteed for five years against flaws and breakage from normal use.

Size: 3.25mm (D)
Available: 1

Size: 3.5mm (E)
Available: 1

Size: 3.75mm (F)
Available: 2

Size: 4.5mm
Available: 1

Size: 5.5mm (I)
Available: 1

Size: 6mm (J)
Available: 2

Size: 6.5mm (K)
Available: 2

Size: 7mm
Available: 2

Size: 7.5mm
Available: 2

Price: was £4.50 NOW £3.50 each

Size: 8mm (L)
Available: 2

Size: 9mm (M)
Available: 2

Price: was £6.10 NOW £5.00 each

BRITTANY Double Pointed Needles 5"/13cm Length

Size: 2mm
Available: 5

Size: 2.25mm
Available: 4

Size: 2.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 2.75mm
Available: 2

Size: 3mm
Available: 3

Size: 3.25mm
Available: 2

Size: 3.5mm
Available: 1

Size: 3.75mm
Available: 2

Size: 4mm
Available: 1

Size: 4.5mm
Available: 2

Size: 5mm
Available: 3

Size: 5.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 6mm
Available: 3

Price: was £4.50 NOW £3.50 each

BRITTANY Double Pointed Needles 7.5"/19cm Length

Size: 2.75mm
Available: 3

Size: 3mm
Available: 2

Size: 3.25mm
Available: 3

Size: 3.5mm
Available: 5

Size: 3.75mm
Available: 3

Size: 4mm
Available: 3

Size: 4.5mm
Available: 2

Size: 5mm
Available: 2

Size: 5.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 6mm
Available: 2

Size: 6.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 7mm
Available: 3

Size: 7.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 8mm
Available: 3

Size: 9mm
Available: 9

Size: 10mm
Available: 2

Size: 12mm
Available: 2

Price: was £4.50 NOW £3.50 each

BRITTANY Single Point 10"/26cm Length

Size: 3.25mm
Available: 2

Size: 3.5mm
Available: 1

Size: 3.75mm
Available: 2

Size: 4mm
Available: 3

Size: 4.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 5mm
Available: 3

Size: 5.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 6.5mm
Available: 1

Size: 7mm
Available: 2

Size: 7.5mm
Available: 2

Price: was £4.50 NOW £3.50 each

Size: 8mm
Available: 3

Size: 9mm
Available: 3

Size: 10mm
Available: 3

Size: 12mm
Available: 3

Price: was £6.10 NOW £5.00 each

Size: 15mm
Available: 2

Size: 20mm
Available: 2

Price: was £9.00 NOW £6.00 each

BRITTANY Single Point 14"/36cm Length

Size: 3.5mm
Available: 3

Size: 3.75mm
Available: 2

Size: 4mm
Available: 5

Size: 4.5mm
Available: 2

Size: 5mm
Available: 1

Size: 5.5mm
Available: 2

Size: 6mm
Available: 2

Size: 6.5mm
Available: 2

Size: 7mm
Available: 1

Size: 7.5mm
Available: 3

Price: was £4.50 NOW £3.50 each

Size: 8mm
Available: 2

Size: 9mm
Available: 3

Size: 10mm
Available: 3

Size: 12mm
Available: 3

Price: was £6.10 NOW £5.00 each

Size: 15mm
Available: 2

Size: 20mm
Available: 2

Price: was £9.00 NOW £6.00 each

LOUET NORTH AMERICA YARN - KIDLIN

KidLin yarn is a unique combination of Kid Mohair and Euroflax Linen in gorgeous colors. This soft, delicate yarn will create dainty garments that are warm with beautiful drape. Very luxurious, with the secret strength of linen!

Composition: 49% Linen / 35% Kid Mohair / 16% Nylon
Weight: 50 grams
Length: approx. 228 metres / 250 yards
Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) / 4.5 mm (US 7)
Ply: Lace Weight
Wash: Hand wash only, lay flat to dry

Lilith pattern is available to purchase below.

Amber
Available: 10

Colorado Spruce
Available: 11

Mexican Orange
Available: 3

Rose Bloom
Available: 7

Smokey Grape
Available: 4

Tomato Red
Available: 7

Woodland
Available: 6

Regimental Red:
Available: 7

Price: was £9.60 NOW £7.00 each

LOUISA HARDING YARN - CA' d'ORO

Ca'd'Oro is a wonderful new wool/mohair blend yarn from the Louisa Harding Venezia Yarn Collection. A beautiful twisted yarn in variegated shades with a touch of shine in every stitch!!

Wool/mohair blend yarn from the Louisa Harding Venezia Yarn Collection.

Composition: 46% Wool / 25% Viscose / 19% Acrylic / 10% Mohair
Weight: 50 grams
Length: approx. 70 metres / 77 yards
Needles: 5 mm (US 10 1/2)
Knit Gauge: 15 sts in 20 rows per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Hand wash only, cool iron, dry clean, do not tumble dry

(03)
Available: 10

(06)
Available: 10

Price: was £5.00 NOW £3.50 each

LOUISA HARDING YARN - GRACE - Silk & Wool

This single ply silk/wool blend with luminous colours is perfect for those luxurious accessories we all seem to have on our lists.

Composition: 50% Merino/50% Silk
Weight: 50 grams
Length: approx. 100 metres / 110 yards
Needles: 4 mm (US 6)
Knit Gauge: 22 sts in 30 rows per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Hand wash only, cool iron, dry clean, do not tumble dry

Champagne (02)
Available: 10

Silver blue (03)
Available: 9

Pink (04)
Available: 10

Moss (05)
Available: 10

Peacock (07)
Available: 10

Price: was £5.30 NOW £4.00 each

LOUISA HARDING YARN - THALIA

Petal like shiny ribbon yarns are complimented by soft angoras and mohair form part of the treasure trove that is the Louisa Harding collection.

Composition: 52% Polyamide/24% Acrylic/12% Mohair/6% Metallic/6% Wool
Weight: 50 grams
Length: approx. 85 metres / 93 yards
Needles: 8 mm (US 11)
Knit Gauge: 13 sts in 17 rows per 10 cms / 4"
Wash: Hand wash only, cool iron, dry clean, do not tumble dry

Glacier (2)
Available: 10

Clover (4)
Available: 10

Pink(08)
Available: 3

Green (11)
Available: 9

Blue (12)
Available: 10

Price: was £5.00 NOW £3.50 each

LOUISA HARDING - PATTERN BOOKS

Venezia - Felice Mai Dopo - a collection of sixteen projects for hand knitting using Grace, La Salute Quattro, Castello, Liberty, Thalia, Glisten, Impression and Sari Ribbon.

Available: 2

Price: was £7.50 NOW £5.00 each

Venezia - Una Volta - a collection of seventeen projects for hand knitting using Kimon Ribbon Pure, La Salute, Glisten, Kashmir Aran, Kimono Angora Pure, Kashmir DK, Ca'd'Oro and Grace.

Available: 2

Price: was £7.50 NOW £5.00 each

LULU'S SOCK YARNS - BLUE FACED LEICESTER

LuLu's Superwash Blue Faced Leicester Yarns are dyed using acid dyes which are lightfast and washfast. Each skein is hand-painted and unique.

Composition: 100% Blue Faced Leicester
Weight: 90 grams
Length: approx. 347 metres / 380 yards
Wash: Machine washable
One skein is enough for a pair of socks, but please check your yardage.

Bouganville
Available: 4

Ciclamini
Available: 3

Lamponi
Available: 1

Price: was £14.50 NOW £10 each

LULU'S SOCK YARNS - TM SOCKS

LuLu's Superwash Merino Tencel Sock Yarns are dyed using acid dyes which are lightfast and washfast. Each skein is hand-painted and unique. Superwash Fingering Weight Merino Tencel Sock Yarn.

Composition: 50% Merino / 50% Tencel
Weight: 100 grams
Length: approx. 353 metres / 386 yards
Wash: Machine washable
One skein is enough for a pair of socks, but please check your yardage.

Ciclamini
Available: 3

Price: was £12.50 NOW £9 each

MANGO MOON - CIRCULAR NEEDLES

Circular knitting needles, hand carved in Nepal from waterbuffalo bone or horn, with a curl-free leather cord. Length: 61 cm / 24" from end to end

Bone 9mm (US13)
Available: 1

Bone 10mm (US15)
Available: 6

Bone 12mm (US17)
Available: 3

Horn 9mm (US13)
Available: 2

Horn 10mm (US15)
Available: 4

Price: was £14 NOW £10 each

MANGO MOON YARNS - CAPELLI

Capelli yarn is used to work with all knitted garments to give added stretch and bounce.

Composition: 68% Acrylic / 28% Nylon / 4% Spandex
Weight: 30 grams
Length: approx. 320 metres / 350 yards

Bluebell
Available: 2

Cherry
Available: 2

Delta
Available: 2

Gold
Available: 1

Red
Available: 2

Wine
Available: 2

Price: was £3.50 NOW £2 each

MANGO MOON YARNS - DREADLOCKS

Dreadlocks is a super chunky 100% hand dyed wool which is fabulous for felting. It has many colours in one skein, and no two skeins are exactly alike. The colour changes are random, so the finished result is not predictable.

Composition: 100% Wool
Weight: hanks between 125 - 180 grams
Length: approx. 68.5 metres / 75 yards
Wash: Hand wash only

Bluebell
Available: 1

Carnation
Available: 1

Marigold
Available: 1

Moss
Available: 1

Raspberry
Available: 1

Price: was £10.50 NOW £6 each

MANGO MOON YARNS - RECYCLED SILK YARN

Mango Moon's Recycled Silk yarn is made from saris, has many colours in one skein, and no two skeins are exactly alike. The colour changes are random, so the finished result is not predictable. We recommend if you are making a big garment that you knit a couple of rows from each hank alternately to prevent obvious colour-banding.
*Important Notice* For the best results, make skeins into balls by hand rather than by machine.

Composition: 100% Silk
Weight: hanks between 125 - 180 grams
Length: approx. 137 metres / 150 yards
Needles: 6.5 mm (US 10.5) / 11 mm (US 11)
Ply: bulky weight
Wash: Hand wash only

Available: 11

Price: was £12.50 NOW £8.50 each

MANGO MOON YARNS - SILK RIBBON

Hand dyed Ribbon yarn, in a planet colours collection, is like the Recycled Silk yarn, no two skeins are exactly alike. The colour changes are random, so the finished result is not predictable, for this reason we recommend if you are making a big garment that you knit a couple of rows from each hank alternately to prevent obvious colour-banding.

Composition: 45% Silk
Weight: hanks between 60 grams and 100 grams
Length: approx. 68.5 metres / 75 yards
Wash: Hand wash only

Jupiter
Available: 2

Lunar
Available: 6

Neptune
Available: 2

Pluto
Available: 3

Saturn
Available: 3

Solar
Available: 3

Venus
Available: 3

Price: was £8.50 NOW £5 each

MANGO MOON YARNS - WOOLIE

Woolie yarn is hand-spun and hand-dyed wool which is also super for felting. It has many colours in one skein, and no two skeins are exactly alike. The colour changes are random, so the finished result is not predictable.

Composition: 100% Lambs Wool
Weight: hanks between 62 - 75 grams
Length: approx. 137 metres / 150 yards
Wash: Hand wash only

Blueberry
Available: 1

Cherry
Available: 1

Lemon/Lime
Available: 1

Price: was £7.20 NOW £5 each

OSO LANOSO - ROSEWOOD DOUBLE POINT NEEDLES

This is a Set of 5 Rosewood Double Point Needles in a Rosewood Case made in Costa Rica. The finest Knitting Needles you will ever own. Warm in your hands and smooth to the touch. Custom designed by a Knitter for a Knitter! These needles are very quiet and you will love the special points. You will enjoy your new needles for many years to come.

Size: 2.25 mm (US1)
Available: 2

Size: 3.25 mm (US3)
Available: 3

Size: 3.5 mm (US4)
Available: 3

Price: was £23.50 NOW £15 each

OSO LANOSO - STRAIGHT NEEDLES

The finest Knitting Needles you will ever own. Hand made from Exotic Hardwoods of Costa Rica. Warm in your hands and smooth to the touch. You will enjoy your new needles for many years to come. This is our collection of Rosewood Knitting Needles.

HONEY POT
Size: 8 mm
Available: 1

Price: was £19.70 NOW £15 each

T-TOP
Size: 6 mm
Available: 3

Price: was £17.10 NOW £13 each

RIO DE LA PLATA - LANA DEL ARTISTA

Created out of carefully chosen Corriedale wool, hand dyed and hand spun. One of its greatest features is how beautifully it felts. Due to the hand dyed technique, hanks may vary so colours will be different from the one shown. To get the best effect knit a few rows from one hank then change to another.

Composition: 100% Pure New Wool
Weight: 100 grams
Length: approx. 128 metres / 140 yards
Needles: 5.5 mm (US 9) / 6 mm (US 10)
Knit Gauge: 14-16 sts per 4" / 10 cms
Wash: Hand wash - Flat dry

LA81
Available: 3

LA82
Available: 4

LA83
Available: 1

LA84
Available: 6

LA86
Available: 3

LA88
Available: 5

Price: was £9.50 NOW £5 each

RIO DE LA PLATA - MERINO SANTA MARIA

Made from top quality 100% Uruguayan Merino wool and machine spun. This 3 ply fiber is hand-dyed just as our regular Rio de la Plata line, offering an original verugation and incredible softness. Due to being hand-dyed, hanks may vary. For best effect knit a few rows from one hank then change to another.

Composition: 100% Merino Wool - Kettle Dyed
Weight: 100 grams
Length: approx. 150 metres / 164 yards
Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) - 5.5 mm (US 9)
Knit Gauge: 16-20 sts per 4" / 10 cms
Wash: Hand wash - Flat dry

Bison PL61
Available: 7

Black PL29
Available: 8

Honey Mustard PL48
Available: 10

Medieval Blue PL64
Available: 10

Pale Blue Pastel PL15
Available: 6

Pink Carnation PL21
Available: 8

Pink Lemonade PL43
Available: 9

Rabbit PL65
Available: 8

Red Brick PL8
Available: 2

Sparkling Grape PL49
Available: 10

Vibrant Orange PL55
Available: 10

Price: was £12.50 NOW £6 each

Items to come:

LOUET NORTH AMERICA YARN - GEMS (Merino Fingering Weight)

LOUISA HARDING YARN - CASTELLO (shiny ribbon yarns complimented by soft angoras and mohair)

LULU'S SOCK YARNS - PANDA (Superwash Fingering Weight Merino Tencel and Bamboo)

LULU'S SOCK YARNS - TM SOCKS (Superwash Fingering Weight Merino Tencel)

NAMASTE: HANDBAGS, NEEDLE BINDERS, EXTRA PAGES AND GLASS NEEDLES

Rosários 4 YARNS - POPCORN PLAIN AND PRINT

TILLI TOMAS - EXOTICA AND MARIEL'S CRYSTALS

UK ALPACA - SOCK YARN

WOOLLY WORMHEAD (Hand Spun Art yarns)

ZECCA - POINT PROTECTORZ

PLUS MAGAZINES!

Clarifications!

2008-07-09T11:13:00.004+01:00

So we are clear:

1 - The items will be on sale ONLY on this blog
2 - SALE starts at 8:00 PM tonight
3 - You will be able to see the items for sale at that time
4 - Foreign Strand Website is DOWN, you can't buy items from there!
5 - See the post below on 'How to place your order'
6 - More items will be added on the sale in the next few days with a new post each time
7 - HAVE FUN!

Foreign Strand Sale update...

2008-07-08T12:37:00.028+01:00

we are almost set for tomorrow! After thinking about it all day yesterday I have decided to start the sale at 8:00 PM (Wednesday the 9th of July) to give a chance to people who are at work to get home.

The information below will be in the post tomorrow night but so you can get prepared this what you need to do to place an order:

1 - email me the items name and quantity here
2 - include your full name, delivery address and a contact phone number (needed for payment).
3 - I will call you to obtain your card details which will be processed through WorldPay Virtual Terminal.
4 - Postage will be calculated for the total weight of the parcel and you will be advised over the phone.

Email orders will be processed on a first-come-first base. You will be advised either by phone or by email if the items you have ordered have been sold out.

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL THE DETAILS ABOVE OR YOUR ORDER WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

All orders will be sent 1st class only, a proof of posting will be obtain at the post office. Below is a table of postal charges for your perusal:

Weight
0-100g - £1.14
101-250g - £1.45
251-500g - £1.94
501-750g - £2.51
751-1000g - £3.08
1001-1250g - £4.30
1251-1500g - £5.00
1501-1750g - £5.70
1751-2000g - £6.40
2001-4000g - £8.22
Each additional 2kg or part there of £2.80

Foreign Strand Sale...

2008-07-07T07:19:00.001+01:00

Please note that the SALE has been postponed to WEDNESDAY the 9th of July. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Foreign Strand Closing Down SALE!

2008-07-02T11:27:00.001+01:00

With great regret we have to inform that Foreign Strand will be closing down from the 03/07/2008 due to personal reasons. If you have placed an order with us we will post it by the 2nd of July.

We would like to thank all our customers for shopping with us in our past two years, we will miss you all immensively.

Please note that all of our stock will be going on SALE from Monday the 7th of July. The items can be view on this blog from that day and will be only processed over the phone.

THE SALE WILL BE ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK CUSTOMERS.

Today's weather....

2008-04-06T19:07:00.003+01:00

SNOW!!! This morning we got up with snow falling there was enough to make a small snowman.

The boys and I have had a very lazy afternoon, eating popcorns and watching Harry Potter. I still had the time to make a summer fruit cheesecake, yummy!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T11:34:00.005Z

Nick and the boys have surprised me this morning with the most sweet Easter sheep ever! I know this sound crazy but I am not mad about chocolate and in fact every Easter, Nick buys me chocolate and he will eat it too. But this is just too sweet for words:

Happy Easter to everyone, I hope you have a lovely time whatever you will be doing.

Swaps

2008-03-22T08:00:00.007Z

Since joining Ravelry I can't stop signing up to swaps, my latest two parcels arrived last Saturday but because of Nick's surprise birthday party I have been too busy to post on here.

The UK Swap has been great! I got to know a lovely lady and she has spoiled me rotten! Angie you are a star! You have put so much thought into the parcel, I could tell from the second that I opened it that it was going to be special. Thank you so much, I hope we will keep in touch.

It was like Christmas all over again, Oliver wasn't pleased to be told that the presents weren't his though!

The first photo is full of treats, including some easter eggs for my boys, how sweet is that? A lovely new mug, so me really, sweets, a jumper shape ornament, the Anniversay edition of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, chocolate: sticky toffee & shortcake truffe egg and a milk chocolate egg with champagne filling - both of which are now gone, just divine! and finally a sheep. Not a real one, she has one too and hers is called Tallulah and mine is called Daisy - not very imaginative but the name seem to suit her perfectly!

The second photo is full of knitting treats and oh my have I been spoiled or what? First a paperback copy of the Victorian Lace Today book, I have had this book on my Amazon list for the past 2 years but every time I went to order it it was either out of stock or the delivery time was about 4 months, then it sold out! At the beginning of March the paperback version come out and my wonderful swap partner got me a copy. What can I say: I LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! but I must carry with the other goodies... two vintage pattern magazines: Stitchcraft March 1952 and a Woman's Own jumper book which even though I can't find any dates on it, it must be around the 1950's too, I love vintage patterns and I have already spotted a few that I would love to make. Two skeins of Lorna's Laces in Flamingo Stripe, her favourite colourway and mine too, it's just the perfect pink, also 20% of the purchase price is donated to a breast cancer charity so even better. One ball of Tofutsies sock yarn, this is a blend of superwash wool, soysilk fibres, cotton and chitin which is a fibre from shrimp and crab shells! I am still speachless for words, I can't wait to start to plan my lovely projects.

Angie's parcel wasn't the only one that arrived on Saturday, I also received my parcel from the Book and more swap on Ravelry. I think Nick got quite jealous as the next day was his birthday and I was the one opening parcels! This one came all the way from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Don't worry you are not seeing double! yes I now have two copies of the Victorian Lace Today, well actually I have trading one copy with a brand new copy of Romantic Style by Jennie Atkinson which again I have wanted for ages so I have two great books! Also in parcel there was a lovely handmade pink stitchmarker, a knitted sweater keyring and a skein of Baruffa Cashwool, in a very light pink to make one of the project in the book. There are so many projects that I would love to make but I want to take my time to decide but not too long!

Thank you so much, Angie and Amy you can't believe how happy I am with the lovely things you have sent me.

Favourites

2008-03-06T09:00:00.003Z

To date I have:

97 patterns and 64 projects in my favourite folder on Ravelry and 16 projects in my queue! When will i ever have the time to knit 177 projects? A life time won't be enough!

I am madly trying to finish 3 projects by the end of the week. The 3 hours sweater which does not take 3 hours is nearly done, I am sawing up a tank top and finish a hat. Hopefully I will have some pictures by the weekend.

On another note, by chance I have found out that I am listed in Ravelry as a 'designer' for my basic tubular socks that I did for the Knitting magazine. I had the biggest smile on my face when I saw that! I am currently working on another 2 sock designs, I am very pleased with them so far hopefully will finish them soon.

My new best friends...

2008-02-28T22:13:00.005Z

Two months ago I decided to do a bit of knitting book destashing as some of them were just in my bookshelf collecting dust! I placed two posts on Ravelry and they all went so with my nice little profit I decided to treat myself with something extra nice! After waiting 6 weeks I finally received my brand new set of Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeable Needle Set! I also got the tips in size 9, 10 and 12 mm and a couple of extra cables!

I only have two disappointments about the set:
1 - the smaller size in the set is 3.5mm and since I only knit socks on 2.75mm I will have to get the fixed cable ones but that won't be the end of the world especially as so far I have only ever knitted socks on DPNs.
2 - I really don't like the case! it looks like a travel toiletry bag! I have to find something suitable for it all, something that will be as nice as the needles, maybe in pink!

Edit on the 2nd of March: I have just realised that the set doesn't have a 6.5mm tips in it but I can get it extra, I can't believe I miss that out, I could have ordered it at the same time with the set!

I'd love to be eight again!

2008-02-21T22:13:00.001Z

A man asked his wife what she'd like for her birthday.
'I'd love to be eight again' she replied.

On the morning of her birthday, he arose early and made her a bowl of Coco Pops and jammy toasties!

He took her to Alton Towers and put her on every ride in the park:
* The Death Slide
* The Wall of Fear
* The Screaming Monster Roller Coaster

Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park.

Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. Right away they went to a McDonalds where her loving husband ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate milkshake.

Then it was off to the movies: the latest Kiddies three hour epic cartoon, a hot dog, popcorn, all the Coke she could drink, her favourite lolly and M&Ms!

What a fabulous adventure!

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed onto the bed exhausted. He leaned over his precious wife with a big smile and lovingly asked 'Well dear, what was it like being eight again?'

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression changed to one of total realisation...'I meant my dress size, you f***ing tw@t !!!'

The moral of this story: Even when a man is listening, he's still gonna get it wrong.....

Another project on the needles

2008-02-18T21:07:00.005Z

I just couldn't resist it! I have madly fallen in love with an adaptation of the 3-hour sweater, an original 1930's design. I have nearly finished the back even though I only casted on on Saturday. I am using Rowan Pure Wool Aran in two different colours, the MC is plum and the CC is teal.

The version I am knitting is called Roses are Red Sweater (you can only view it if you are a Ravelry member sorry). I am making it up while I am knitting it by looking at the pictures and following the writing pattern. I really hope that the result will be good!

This is the back so far:

I am also making progress on the Diamond Top. It's a lovely pattern but I really need to pay attention as each row is different so not good while I watch telly!

Topic of Week #5: Anticipation

2008-02-16T18:44:00.003Z

Another topic set for the UK Swap.

What kind of Spoilee are you? Are you paranoid that it's not being sent, or lost in the post? Do you want it to arrive quickly? OR Do you enjoy the anticipation? Sitting and pondering when it will arrive... and anxiously waiting for it, close to the deadline?

I am very easy going. You have to trust people to be able to take part in swaps and yes I did have my fair share of parcels that never got to me and unfortunately when you do an international swap 4 didn't make it either (I secretly hope that the postal worker choked on the lovely chocolate!). I don't mind if my parcel has been sent straight away or towards the end, communication is the secret though. However once the parcel is in the house, that's it, I behave like a child in a sweet shop and will drool for ages over my parcel hoping that the rest of my family will share my joy but very rarely that happens, what's wrong with them!

Swap and more...

2008-02-16T18:27:00.005Z

Two days have gone by since Valentine's Day and I am still drooling over the amazing package that I have received from Gamera

Everything she has sent me was made or bought from Austin, Texas and what beatiful things she has found! A box of Sesa Organics breakfast tea, a glittery pink purse with a cat stitched on it and 6 badges all made with vintage fabric, so 1950 I love it! A red glass button with a heart embossed on it, a fibre soap, a box of St. Claire’s Organic Liquorice sweets, a felted magnet with a heart in the middle forming the world I love you, a Honeysuckle Jasmine Soy Wax Candle and a rose one which unfortunately got broken in transit, well the glass did but I saved the candle! all in a gourgeous hand knitted bag with hearts. A honeysuckle Rose soap bar in a knitted pink pouch and a red rose soap bar also in a pink pouch, 3 hand knitted hearts in 3 different yarn, really cute and now for the yarn, yes I know there is more… 2 skeins of Classic Elite Premiere one white and one pink and a beatiful skein of Auracania Yarn Patagonia Nature Cotton in the most amazing pink, it’s so soft that I have already started to look on Ravelry what I can knit with it.

Thank you, I love everything, you have made my Valentine’s Day very special.

I have also won the Profile Picture Contest in the Valentine's Swap and my prize from Canada arrived on the 13th but I was very good and waited until the 14th.

So for all sock knitter’s lover, it’s mine, it’s all mine! And it’s PINK!

A pattern called Drop It by Andrea Salin, a sock blocker keyring and a skein of Dyed in the Wool Handmade in Heartache colour, exclusive for the sock club. The prize is from Connie at Pick up Sticks, I love it! I can’t wait to use this wonderful yarn.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2008-02-14T06:59:00.003Z

Why so many people celebrate Valentine's Day? When did it start? So many questions and so many site with these answers but in brief this is why:

The History of Valentine's Day

The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration.

While this pairing of couples set the tone for today's holiday, it wasn't called "Valentine's Day" until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14.

After Valentine's death, he was named a saint. As Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14 and renamed it St. Valentine's Day to honor Saint Valentine.

What's Cupid Got to Do with It?

According to Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Cupid was known to cause people to fall in love by shooting them with his magical arrows. But Cupid didn't just cause others to fall in love - he himself fell deeply in love.

As legend has it, Cupid fell in love with a mortal maiden named Psyche. Cupid married Psyche, but Venus, jealous of Psyche's beauty, forbade her daughter-in-law to look at Cupid. Psyche, of course, couldn't resist temptation and sneaked a peek at her handsome husband. As punishment, Venus demanded that she perform three hard tasks, the last of which caused Psyche's death.

Cupid brought Psyche back to life and the gods, moved by their love, granted Pysche immortality. Cupid thus represents the heart and Psyche the (struggles of the) human soul.

Fun Facts

Approximately 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year.

In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to: teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts, Koko the gorilla.

The expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve" comes from a Valentine's Day party tradition. Young women would write their names on slips of paper to be drawn by young men. A man would then wear a woman's name on his sleeve to claim her as his valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day! I will write again later with photos of my Valentine't Swap parcel and goodies that I won on the swap. Also this my 100th post! a prize will be going up later so come back to find out more....

Topic of the week #4: Valentine's Day

2008-02-11T19:59:00.000Z

I have been very bad and didn't post a reply for the previous two topics for the UK Swap but here it is the entry for this week.

I know this isn't knitting related, but I thought I'd ask you to share your favourite Valentine's Day memory, or your current plans for this year. Just to share some love.

I will be spending Valentine's Day alone! Things have been so mad since October that my husband is taking all 3 children to his parents in Dorset from Wednesday evening through to Saturday evening so I can have a well deserved break. I don't mind at all as I am planning to do lots of knitting, going shopping, eating out, seen some friends and probably spending quite a lot on Ravelry! I am going to enjoy every second of it!

Busy...very busy!

2008-02-03T21:48:00.000Z

Ravelry keeps me busy! with all those posts and reading and coming up with new ideas. Together with Rubyringz I have just set up a brand new swap: Four Season Swap it's only opened to Ravelry members though so if you are not a member jet make sure you do sign up, it's just a wonderful place to be!

I have signed up to another swap too, Books and More Swap Basically I will swap a book with yarn for a project from the book with someone and knit that project. Everyone knows that I love books so this was pretty much impossible for me to resist.

Talking of books, I have swapped a copy of Knit2together with a copy of Knitting Lingerie Style on Ravelry and I can honestly say that this will have to be one of my favourite books ever! There are so many projects that I want to knit, I just need to find the time and the right yarns for them all! I have also added this three new socks books to my collection, I really want to try and knit socks on circle needles and I couldn't pick two better books to learn that.

2-At-A-Time socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

Knitting Circles Around Socks by Antje Gillingham

And Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush

I am actually doing some knitting for a change! I have started the
Diamond Top by Berta Karapetyan in the Runway Knits book. I have had to change the yarn as the one used isn't available in the UK, instead I am using the Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton in Raspberry Pink #11.

I have received the match for the UK Swap, I can't wait to get to know her, I think this could be really fun! There is another contest but I will post my answers tomorrow, I am too tired I need to go to bed!

Foreign Strand Group

2008-01-25T07:56:00.000Z

I did it! Last night I finally set up a Foreign Strand Group on Ravelry. I am very pleased as I have been meaning to do it for ages anyway I better go to do the school run but I will be back later, I have some exciting new yarn and books to show off!

UK Swap - Contest

2008-01-21T22:15:00.000Z

This is the first of many 'topic of the week contest' which will be set every Friday for the UK Swap.

Topic of the Week #1: Knit-Years Resolutions

With 2008 in full-swing, do you have any knit-years resolutions you are trying to keep to? Stash-busting? Knitting just for yourself? Gift-alongs or starting Christmas knitting early? Do your knit-years resolutions affect your other resolutions? Such as watching your spending, or putting yourself first, or even loosing weight (yarn weight....)?

I never make any new years resolutions but I have this year for the first time: I will find more time to knit for myself! I have already bought yarn to do two projects but I am still waiting for it to arrive. I also would like to knit some gifts and generally dedicate more time to knit. Owning a knitting shop and writing for the Knitting magazine doesn't really leave me much time but I hope that I will be able to stick to my 2008 resolution.

New project

2008-01-16T21:23:00.000Z

I must be mad! After a long deliberation and adding a post on Ravelry for it, I have decide that I am going to knit a dress! The pattern is called The Bishop's Wife by Annie Modesitt in her latest book Romantic Hand Knits, an absolutely gourgeous book. There are so many lovely patterns a real must, I think.

I will knit the dress with MerLin yarn by Louet a blend of merino wool and wet spun linen. I am not sure about the colour though as they have 30 different colours; in my short list: black - but I am worried that I would get bored knitting with such a dark colour, pink panther, crabapple blossom or cherry red.

Here it is, I don't think I have been so excited about a pattern in a long time!

If anyone as any suggestions about the colour please let me know.

Ravelry and blog?

2008-01-14T21:08:00.000Z

Is Ravelry killing my blog writing? YES
Is Ravelry killing my knitting? YES

Seriously since receiveing my invitation to Ravelry back in July I have been blogging a lot less and I have also been knitting less! but it is an amazing website. Every day when I go on it I wonder how I have managed to live without for so long. I am slowly adding books up - so far I have 49 books on there, quite a few are not listed on it so I can't add them and a fair still to add! I have only added 4 skeins to my stash - this will be a long job! and so far I am part of 32 groups. Three in particularly that I would like to tell you about.

I am the moderator for the 'Be my Valentine Swap 2008' together with Ragdoll. It's been my first experience of this kind but I am really enjoying it, all the matches have now been sent out and I am busy to put together a parcel for my match. I am very pleased that I have been matched with this person we have lots in common, of course I can't say who it is or it will spoil the surprise.

The second group is the UK Swap group. A new swap will be starting on the 21st of January and not only I will be partecipating in the swap but Foreign Strand is one of the sponsors for this round, check out their swap blog for more details and for the chance to win some Foreign Strand goodies! My swap questionnaire can be found here.

And finally the Welsh group, for those who are knitting in Wales or have Welsh connections. There are lots of lovely ladies there and since I have missed the Ravelry event at Get Knitted last Saturday, I have decided to organize a Ravelry Event in Wales. For more information please have a look at this post or you can find more information below.

Date: Saturday 29th of March

Time: from 10 to 4 pm

Where: at my house in Narberth, Pembrokeshire (if you are interested let me know and I will email you my address)

Event: bring along your knitting/crochet, Foreign Strand products will be available to buy on the day too. Tea and coffee will be available and I will make a couple of cakes too - of course you can bring a cake too if you can. For lunch I will book a table at a local restaurant, great food and not expensive and it’s only 5 minutes walking from my house. After lunch back at mine for some more knitting.

What to do next: if you are interested drop me a comment and I will get back to you.

And one last thing: Foreign Strand will be exhibiting at Wonderwool Wales on the 26th and 27th of April. We hope to see you then.

I must stop time!

2008-01-13T21:01:00.000Z

And once again it's been ages! This time though unfortunately it was due to various illnessess anyway we are getting better now and I hope that we have done our share for this year!

Christmas...yes it feels so long ago, I spent the Christmas seasons with my in-laws, my sister in law and her husband. Nothing special really just a lovely time with the family and lots to eat. I have had some lovely presents:

I am very pleased as I also received some knitting related presents:
a Sunflower Yarn Swift and the Folk Socks book by Nancy Bush from Nick and the Stitch 'n Bitch Calendar from Jo & Dave

I was also very lucky to receive the final package from my secret pal Morag, I received it just few days before Christmas but I opened it on Christmas day and what a lovely package it was.

Very kindly she sent me 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk DK in the most gourgeous red, very soft I am thinking of either a scarf or some gloves, 2 skeins of Lana Grossa Basics hp No.31 - 100% Cotton in my favourite shade of pink, 2 skeins of Angels & Elephants - British Shetland, a pink candle, a bookmark with Carnelian stones (I didn't know but Carnelian is linked to energy, motivation & vitality. It can also be used in any situation which requires creativity & concentration) and a vintage pattern by Robin which I will definetely knit! Thank you so much Morag, I love everything and please let me know your blog address as unfortunately I couldn't read it properly in your card.

Finally an update! warning: it's loooong.....

2007-12-19T22:04:00.000Z

Gosh it's been ages! So much has happened the past two months so let's start with the move. It went very well, in the end we moved into our new house on the 22nd of October. We are completely in love with the house and I can't wait to start to decorate it, I have lots of ideas but not enough time also two days after we moved in we ripped the kitchen out completely. Nick had only enough time to put tiles down, plug the dishwasher and replace the sink before going off to Spain for 5 weeks to work! I have had only the time to unpack most of the house but not my office, well only part of it - on my list of jobs to do during the Christmas holiday! Since Nick got back on the 12th, he is been busy building the frame for the cupboards and the solid wood worktop should be arriving this week too. I am really hoping that I will have a decent kitchen by Christmas as Nick's parents, his sister and her husband will be spending three days with us!

The show in London went very well, I want to thank the wonderful Ruth who came to help me for two days even thought she is pregnant. I met Ruth last year and since then we had developed a good friendship, I stock her amazing yarn on my website and we will be working on an project together next year, sorry I can't say more.

This a photo of the stand, very stylish!

During the show I had the pleasure of meeting some new people, the lovely Alice from Socktopus, Robynn from Purlescence, Eirwen from Knitwitches and some old one too Gill from Woolly Workshop, Kerrie from Hipknits, Jane from The House of Hemp, Tom and Sue from Artesano (a very special thanks to Tom and his brother for helping me with few heavy items that I had to use to dress the stand), Jane from Knit n Caboodle, Joanne and Bill from Moral Fibre and Bruce from Lantern Moon. I love the vibe in that place and there is so much to see and to buy that I am pleased I didn't have lots of time to go shopping, I don't think Nick would have appreciate it since we were in the process of moving. Of course this doesn't mean that I came home at empty hands.

I only bought few very essential items (is there such a thing as essential in knitting?):

A very lovely and useful Lantern Moon DP case from Purlescence - I really needed a case as my collection of DP needles as grown incredibly since I have started to knit socks.

A leaf tape measure with baby ladybirds on it and a set of SoxStix from Moral Fibre/Lantern Moon

A skein of 100% pure silk laceweight from Knitwitches to knit a shawl

And 5 skeins of Lang Zoom in antique pink to knit a cardigan

Considering the amount of temptation around I think I will give myself a big round of applause for not going completely mad and spend a fortune!

And now let's talk about knitting... I have done some but not for me unfortunately! I am still writing every month for the Knitting magazine so all my knitting time as been dedicated to knit more socks for them. I am currently working on the March issue and they have already request two more features along the 6 that we had originally agreed on. I am very pleased with myself and in the process I have become obsessed with socks knitting I just wish I had a bit of time to knit some for myself!

Socks for the December issue of the magazine

I have however managed to squeeze in a small project for myself, the Hexed hat by Wooly Wormhead. I had my eyes on this pattern for ages and now that my hair is longer I can wear one. This hat is constructed of 7 hexagons, each worked separately, then joined using blanket stitch. After constructing the main body of the hat, stitches are picked up around the lower edge and worked in the round for the brim. This is a very good project if you don't have much time as you can put it down and pick it up whenever you have the time, so far I have knitted 4 hexagons but hoping to have it finished by the end of December so it won't become another UFO! I am knitting it by using Lamb's Pride Bulky in antique pink and raspberry - I was disappointed with the raspberry though as it's much darker then I had wanted and more red then a dark pink, anyway as I don't need that much of it I am sure it will be ok.

Talking of hats... I love hats! I always have but I have a small head which it means that I can't simply walk in a shop and buy one so knitting them it's the best way to go and to my delight Ruth (Wooly Wormhead) as just finished her first book all on hats!!! The book is not available yet but as Foreign Strand is one of the sponsor I got to preview a pdf copy of it and let me tell you what a fantastic book this is! The patterns are amazing and the instructions are clear and easy to follow, the photos of the hats can be found on her blog if you would like a preview. Even though I have a pdf version of the book I will buy the hard copy too as I prefer it and I will probably include a list of the one that I must knit which ar far too many to list it.

Crochet hats though are a different story for me, I simply can't crochet so I have just bought myself an original Wooly design (not that I need an excuse but that's the one I shall us). The very famous Green Hat of Horns is now all mine! The pattern was originally submitted to The Anti Craft website in 2006 and more of her free pattern can be found on her blog. Oliver loves this hat too though and here you can see him modelling it as soon as I got it out of it's package.

Oliver modelling for mummy:

And Sam been mad as always:

I AM BACK....

2007-12-01T22:01:00.000Z

....It's been so long, 43 days without broadband! I have gone mad without my daily intake of blogs reading, ravelry and generally look around for yarns. I am so pleased I am back online but it's a bit too late for a decent post right now but I promise to do that in the next couple of days.

Update...

2007-10-18T21:55:00.000+01:00

I will be posting an update on Alexandra Palace and everything else next week as we are moving on Monday!!! Still busy packing just have a bit of time to read some of my favourite blogs. Until then keep knitting!

Birthday Calculator

2007-10-18T21:45:00.000+01:00

I found this Birthday Calculator on Ravelry and of course I couldn't resist...

6 October 1975
Your date of conception was on or about 13 January 1975 which was a Monday.

You were born on a Monday under the astrological sign Libra.
Your Life path number is 11.

Your fortune cookie reads:
Smiling often can make you look and feel younger.

Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2442691.5.
The golden number for 1975 is 19.
The epact number for 1975 is 17.
The year 1975 was not a leap year.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/11/1975 and ending 1/30/1976.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Rabbit.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Raven; your plant is Ivy.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Choiach, the fourth month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 1 Heshvan 5736.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 2 Heshvan 5736.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.2.4.7 which is
12 baktun 18 katun 2 tun 4 uinal 7 kin

The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Monday, 30 Ramadan 1395 (1395-9-30).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 30 March 1975.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 4 May 1975.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 12 February 1975.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 18 May 1975.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 25 May 1975.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 6 September 1975.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 27 March 1975.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 11 February 1975.

As of 10/18/2007 4:48:02 PM EDT
You are 32 years old.
You are 384 months old.
You are 1,671 weeks old.
You are 11,700 days old.
You are 280,816 hours old.
You are 16,849,008 minutes old.
You are 1,010,940,482 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Taylor Hicks (1976) Janet Gaynor (1906) Amy Jo Johnson (1970)
Elisabeth Shue (1963) Britt Ekland (1942) Carole Lombard (1908)
Le Corbusier (1887) George Westinghouse (1846)

Top songs of 1975
Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain & Tennille Fly, Robin, Fly by Silver Convention
Island Girl by Elton John He Don't Love You by Tony Orlando & Dawn
Bad Blood by Neil Sedaka Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell
Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John That's the Way (I Like It) by KC & the Sunshine Band
Jive Talkin' by Bee Gees Fame by David Bowie

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.57925636007828 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Your lucky day is Friday.
Your lucky number is 6.
Your ruling planet(s) is Venus.
Your lucky dates are 6th, 15th, 24th.
Your opposition sign is Aries.
Your opposition number(s) is 9.

Today is not one of your lucky days!

There are 354 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 33 candles.

Those 33 candles produce 33 BTUs,
or 8,316 calories of heat (that's only 8.3160 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.77 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1975 there were approximately 3.1 million births in the US.
In 1975 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1975 in the US there were approximately 2,152,662 marriages (10.1%) and 1,036,000 divorces (4.9%)
In 1975 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1975 the population of Australia was approximately 13,968,881.
In 1975 there were approximately 233,012 births in Australia.
In 1975 in Australia there were approximately 103,973 marriages and 24,307 divorces.
In 1975 in Australia there were approximately 109,021 deaths.

Your birthstone is Tourmaline
The Mystical properties of Tourmaline
Pink Tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. Green Toumaline promotes male balance.
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Opal, Jasper

Your birth tree is

Rowan, the Sensitivity
Full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

There are 68 days till Christmas 2007!
There are 81 days till Orthodox Christmas!

The moon's phase on the day you were born was waxing crescent.

Which tarot card are you?

2007-10-16T20:29:00.000+01:00

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I am off...

2007-10-09T07:20:00.000+01:00

to London today for a week! The setting up for Alexandra Palace is tomorrow following by 4 days show. I am nervous, excited, worried but I am sure that it will all be fine. I will post photos of the show and of all my lovely birthday presents next week once I'm back.

And for anyone who is coming to the show come and say hello: Foreign Strand stand H12

2007-10-06T08:06:00.000+01:00

I love this site! There are banners for almost anything!

And today is....

2007-10-06T07:24:00.000+01:00

My birthday and my little one woke up at 6:15! My oldest two have made me 2 lovely birthday cards and they are more excited than me. Photos to follow tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to me and to another great year ahead!

Oh and I have been in Ravelry since the end of June my ID is forbiddenknitter - keep it simple, easy to remember... I haven't had the chance to upload anything yet but my gosh the forum is addictive!

Update on almost everything...

2007-10-05T20:45:00.000+01:00

so after all we are not moving tomorrow! usual solicitors mess, so we are now hoping the move the 18th!? Anyway I am not that bothered as I am exhibiting at the Knitting and Stitching Show in London next week so I have plenty to do to keep me busy. I have finally sorted out where I am staying and dear Ruth aka Woolly Wormhead has very kindly offered to come and help me Thursday and Friday so anyone who wants to come and see us please come at, Foreign Strand stand H12. I can't wait! It will be very hard work but worth it just to be surrounded by wool for 4 days, my poor bank balance....

I have realised that I haven't been posting about knitting for a while, well I have been knitting, mainly socks for my new feature in the Knitting magazine. My first article with pattern was out this week, it was so good to see it, I am very pleased with myself and the Lilith shawl that I have knitted couple of months ago is in it too! The sock feature will run for at least 6 issues but I am confident that they will carry on with it as sock knitting is taking over the world! I will scan and post the features on the blog once I have worked out how!

I have however got a photo of the second pattern which will be featured in the December issue of Knitting. The pattern is called Alternate Sock by my good friend Angela Wilson.

I am now knitting the 3rd pattern also by Angela, I have finished the first sock and started the second, I will take photos for this tomorrow as it's not a good light to do that now.

And finally this is my last day of been 31! yes tomorrow it's my birthday and even more scary in 7 days time will be 11 years I have moved from Italy to the UK. 11 YEARS!!! how did that happen!

Which Lolcat are you?

2007-09-27T20:49:00.000+01:00

Another great test that I found on glittyknittykitty I couldn't resist it!

Your Score: Sad Cookie Cat
58% Affectionate, 34% Excitable, 51% Hungry

You are the classic Shakespearian tragedy of the lolcat universe. The sad story of a baking a cookie, succumbing to gluttony, and in turn consuming the very cookie that was to be offered. Bad grammar ensues.

Link: The Which Lolcat Are You? Test

What animal are you?

2007-09-21T21:02:00.000+01:00

You're a Water Buffalo!

While you think your greatest strength may be lazing around the cool, cool river, others know that your hard work and dedication comprise your real power.
Many people associate you with the Vietnam War, while others confuse you with someone else entirely. While everyone's been busy taking you for granted, you've
felt yourself slipping away and almost disappearing of late. You can really get down on the farm, and that's no yoke.

Take the Animal Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.

Moving house....again!

2007-09-20T11:03:00.000+01:00

Yes it's true, we are moving again! After two rented houses we have finally bought our own house. We are all very happy and the house is simply gorgeous! There is so much space inside and out that we will never have to move again, what a relief! All the legal paperwork is going through fine and it looks like we are going to move on my birthday - I always said to Nick that I wanted a birthday present as big as a house, now I am getting one...

The bizarre thing is that the new house is called Kensington House and the house we are renting is called Kensington House too! What are the chances of that, it's not a very common name for a house and the properties only distant 2.5 miles from each others. The current owner has done quite a bit of research on the history of the house and the earliest record she has is dated 1861 when the street was called 'Sheep Street' changed at some point into 'St. James Street', I prefered the old name really. I am looking forward to find out who lived there and lots more interesting things about the area, likely the vendor will pass on everything she has found out already so that will save me quite a bit of time. Another reason it had to be ours? It's got the most amazing gloss pink front door I have ever seen! I will take a better picture once we have moved as you can't see it from the photo above.

What's in a phrase?

2007-09-16T16:09:00.000+01:00

Black Sheep of the family
A black sheep would be an unwelcome member of the flock because its dark wool could not be dyed and so was worth less than that of the more common white sheep. That the colour black was once associated with the devil was an added reason for the owner to dislike the sheep.

Which Jane Austin Heroine are You?

2007-09-15T08:28:00.000+01:00

Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourite film of all time. I found this quiz on the glittyknittykitty blog and I had to do it!

So I am Elinor Dashwood... You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

Lisa I am sure you are tempted too! Go on I know how much you love quizzes...

New toy....

2007-09-14T21:33:00.000+01:00

I am so please with myself! Finally after months looking on ebay for a wool winder I won one on Monday and it's arrived this morning! The best thing is that it's in my favourite colour and it's a nice 1950 design. I have never seen another one like this, it's made in Japan and that's all I know a part from its name. So ladies let me introduce you Angel...

Thank you

2007-09-13T20:56:00.000+01:00

It's time to say few thank you...

First I like to show you what a wonderful package my SP11 has sent me. The Scarf Style book by Pam Allen had been on my Amazon list forever! and she has also sent me two balls of Grace - Silk and Wool by Louisa Harding in the most wonderful pink. The yarn is incredibly soft, really amazing. Thank you SP for the fantastic parcel!

These sock yarn, hand dyed was sent to me by Laura my Sock It To Me Pal, so thank you to her too for the beautiful skeins in my favourite colours.

And to finish, I like to thank Amanda for the things she has sent me for the Swap-bot Pink Yarns. Two skeins of Malabrigo a kettle dyed pure merino wool from Uruguay in shades of amazing pinks, the pin was hand made by the leader of her knitting group, it will go very nicely with my pink coat this winter! Thank you Amada I love everything and the sweet are really nice, luckly no one but me in my family likes liquorice!

Fibrefest... the outcome....

2007-09-12T21:29:00.000+01:00

It's been ages again since my last post so lots to add this time.

Fibrefest was very good, Foreign Strand did very well and I met up with some people that I knew and met some new ones! It was really lovely to be able to have a proper chat with Ruth aka Woolly Wormhead, she has helped me out too which was very nice of her. I also met a friend of her, Sue, which I am hoping to see her again at Alexandra Palace in October. Sue took this lovely picture of me and Ruth together, a proof that we were there!

I had promised myself not to buy anything but of course that didn't happen! So this is what I have added on to my stash...

4 skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn from The Old Piggery (no website sorry!). The two on the left are for me and the two on the right for my mother-in-law.

I finally bought some Hemp yarn! I wanted some since seen it in London last year but I was too busy with the stand but this time The House of Hemp was next to me so no excuses. I have bought a scarf kit for myself and two extra skeins, one for my mum and the other one for my mother-in-law (that's her sorted out for Christmas!).

Like most knitters I have a thing for needles and I have always like the look of the Peace Fleece needles and may I say that they look really nice on the outside of my Namaste Vintage Bag.

I was very lucky to meet up again with John and Juliet from the UK Alpaca company, John and I have been talking about introducing some of it's new Alpaca sock yarn on my website and to my surprise and delight, very kindly he has given me, FREE sample to take away with me! Not one skein but 5, in each of the colour that he has developed. Hopefully it will be available to buy from Foreign Strand by the end of the month.

Fibrefest...

2007-08-31T07:38:00.000+01:00

I am off to Fibrefest this morning, I am exhibiting there this weekend, the House of Hemp will be next to me, how exciting I love their yarns. If you are in Devon come and say hello and to see the amazing products we have to offer. Photos and news on Monday, have a good weekend everyone.

I am back....

2007-08-29T07:59:00.000+01:00

from the dark tunnel called depression. My first episode was after the birth of my second in 2001 and after that it's been pretty much on and off, when I have good days no one would even know of my condition unfortunately though when I have bad days I just close up completely and everything is too much. Sunday the 1t of July I had a very bad relapse, it got so back that I was ready to walk out from my children's life, I thought if I could only vanish things will be better, the worst 24 hours of my life, to be honest I don't know how I made it through the night without doing something stupid. I went to see my doctor and I am now waiting to start therapy again but without taking medication, I am too paranoid about the side effect to go down that root. I have also find out that I have OCD which I am not that surprised considering my excessive controlling behaviour. I have started hypnotherapist to reduce my stress and calming me down and that seem to have worked but the best thing is that now I am not ashamed to tell people about it. I am doing much better now just lots of work and blogging to catch up with but I am taking one day at the time, everything will be done in the end. I want to apologize to everyone for disappearing like this for so long but writing unfortunately wasn't one of the things I wanted to do and I wasn't ready to share such a personal thing to the knitting community. Hopefully from now on I will have more good days than bad and the only way is up the tunnel...

Save Harry Potter!

2007-07-14T18:18:00.000+01:00

Will July 21 mark the end of Harry Potter?

JK Rowling says so, but history is full of magnificent returns from the dead, so there is no reason why, with your support, we can't persuade her to write more adventures for Harry and the Hogwarts gang. If Sherlock Holmes, Dennis Watts, Superman, and Bobby Ewing can all come back from the dead then surely reincarnation shouldn't be a problem for the world's most powerful boy wizard - and that's presuming that he dies at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. If he survives, then bringing him back should be even easier.

So, why not help by adding your name to the Waterstone's International Campaign to SAVE HARRY, to keep the Hogwarts magic alive!

Thank you Ruby!

2007-07-07T21:01:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday I have received the last parcel from my Secret Pal 10. The person I have been spoiled by in the past 3 months is Ruby and this is the amazing package she has put together for me:

In more details: a heart shape shell, very nice and as I have quite a few hearts around the house I have decide to start a collection! a book marker, very usufel especially with the new Harry Potter book out in 9 days. A knitters gauge, a lovely 'sweet bed-jacket' in a dainty shell pattern, a skein of Alpaca/Silk sock yarn from The Natural Dye Studio and a wonderful skein of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk in a most amazing pink.

Thank you very much Ruby for the amazing parcel, I'll have to think what to knit but socks and scarf spring immediately to mind!

Sock It To Me Sock Swap Questionnaire

2007-07-05T21:34:00.000+01:00

Wendy is the person I will be spoiling in this swap. I have just added the questionnaire here.

How Girly Are You?

2007-07-03T20:24:00.001+01:00

You Are 64% Girly

You're a pretty girly chick, and you're not ashamed to admit it (or wear pink).
But you're also practical. You can hang with the guys, as long as they're not too gross!

How Girly Are You?

A new swap!

2007-06-28T21:34:00.000+01:00

I have joined a new swap! All to do with socks! It's called Sock It To Me Sock Swap the deadline is the 30th of June. If you like swaps and sock knitting this is a swap for you!

New Knitscene magazine

2007-06-27T21:04:00.000+01:00

It's finally here! The new Knitscene magazine has arrived from America this morning, it will be available to buy from Foreign Strand from this week. There are three things which I really like to knit.

The Teardrop Scarf is a two basic lace scarf with a scalloped edge, which is tipped with glass beads. I think the pattern will work very well with the Tilli Tomas Mariel's Crystals.

The Roundabout Vest is worked in a self-stripped yarns, two circles are knitted from the center out. The gussets join the circles under the arms and go up and over the shoulders to make cap sleeves. I really like this vest, very unusual and very me!

And the last one is Ingenue Blouse. It's a unique construction, the top is worked in two identical pieces, starting at the neck edge and worked to the cuff. The tops are gathered and sewn into the ribbed body tube.

Well with all these new projects in the pipeline I better start to have source the yarns for them.

What's on the needles?...

2007-06-27T20:44:00.000+01:00

....socks! I did say that I got the addiction for them! So I have now started a pair with some yarns that my knitters friends in Bedford gave me before I left for St. Albans over a year ago. The yarn is from Curious Yarns in a lovely shade of purples and blue.

The second pair is for a sock feature that I have started to work for the Knitting magazine which will start with the November issue, on sale from October. The yarn is called Lucia from Posh Yarn, Dee has dyed the yarn especially for this feature.

New books!

2007-06-20T21:56:00.000+01:00

I haven't bought any new books for a while so I have treated myself with 3 new books, 2 of which have been on my amazon list forever!

The first one is the well know book by Stefanie Japel 'Fitted Knits'. The patterns are amazing, some would need to be slightly adjusted by nevertheless beautiful.

The second book is all about... socks! It's called 'Easy Knitted Socks' by Jeanette Trotman. There are some very cute children's socks and bootees along with lots of adults ones. Socks are knitted in the classic tubular way with DPNs and circular needles but quite a few are knitted with straight needles too, I might even tried to knit the pair together!

And the last one is the 'Charmed Knits' by Alison Hansel, projects for fans of Harry Potter. There are some lovely things, a very cute hat which I am planning to knit for Oliver and some nice socks.

This is why I haven't blog....

2007-06-17T20:27:00.000+01:00

This is the Lilith pattern on sale on Foreing Strand which will be featured in the October issue of the Knitting magazine. I had two weeks to knitting it up, the deadline was Friday the 15th, unfortunately the yarn is so fine it did take me longer than expected to finish it, I really thought that 2 weeks were enough, I couldn't have been more wrong! I got up Wednesday at 7.30, started to knit at 8.30 and had only few breaks there and then; I didn't stop until it was finished Thursday morning at 5.30!!! I have never, ever knitted for that long and I don't think I will knit all night in a hurry either! It has taking me two days to recover! I am pleased to say that it was finished in time and glad not to look at green yarn anymore!

The good news though is that I have finally started my second sock! The first one was finished a year ago, more or less, I had lots of help from Ange and Gill so I didn't think I could do it by myself, especially the heel and the gusset but to my surprise I did! I am now knitting the foot, hopefully I can finish it by the end of the week.

If it hadn't been for Lilith I would have finished it by now. Sock knitting has now turned into an obsession and for the past couple of nights I even taking it with me to bed! Knitting in the marital bed, a recipe for divorce!

Thank you Ruby!

2007-06-17T20:00:00.000+01:00

My secret pal Ruby has send me the second parcel. I really need to apologize as I did receive it a week ago but I didn't have any time to blog! Thank you very much Ruby, a very interesting parcel.

A ball of Lanartus Da Masi lovely autumn colours, I will probably knit a scarf to add to my collection of scarves!

Flowery buttons so retro, not sure what I will use them for but I am sure I will at some point.

The stitch markers are for big size needles, very helpful as mine only go up to size 10mm. Ruby bought them for me at the Wonderwool Wales. I love them!

And finally a lovely book called 'A Guide to Elegance' by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. I did read the international bestseller inspired by Madame Dariaux, Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro, very enjoyable reading, I am looking forward to read it.

Foreign Strand Sale

2007-06-11T22:20:00.000+01:00

Foreign Strand is having a summer sale! Minimum 20% off original price up to 40% off on some items, come on treat yourself you are worth it!

What's Your Personality Type?

2007-06-01T07:47:00.000+01:00

You Are An ENTJ

The Executive

You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise.
Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence.

In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other. While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you.

At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant.

How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective.

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing

What's Your Personality Type?

SP10 Contest #2

2007-05-31T17:40:00.000+01:00

With the weather turning warmer, many of you are thinking of traveling (though some of you have just returned, you can play along).

1) What do you pack to knit?

I have finally started my second sock and I can't put it down! So sock yarns and few sets of dp. I will also take some one or two UFO, you never know they might get finished!

2) What do you hope to shop for?
Been the owner of a knitting online shop I am always on the lookout for yarns that it's not available in the UK yet, I call it marketing research so I can't be told off when I buy new yarn.

Assume that you will be gone for ten days to someplace "foreign" that is known for having great knitting locations. (Bonus: Where would you go on a "knitting holiday"?)

It would have to be Italy especially as knitting has become so popular over there too, I would go to Milan, Florence and Rome, meet up with the Stitch'n'Bitch groups and madly trying to cover as many shops as I can.

UFO-KNIT-A-LONG

2007-05-29T12:28:00.000+01:00

The time is here to do something about all the UFOs I have and most knitters have too! The idea has come to me after reading a post on the Frog in Knots blog, Alien Invasion.

If anyone would like to join the UFO-KNIT-A-LONG please email me and I will send you an invitation.

Teletubbies 'Tinky Winky' is gay!?!

2007-05-29T10:06:00.000+01:00

This is the fanniest thing, everyone knows that Tinky Winky is gay! I don't have anything against gay/lesbian people and I believe that children should know that men and women can love the same sex without been an issue. So I am all in favour of Tinky Winky been GAY!

Teletubbies in Polish 'gay' probe
A Polish government watchdog has said it wants to investigate if the Teletubbies promote homosexuality.

Ewa Sowinska, who deals with children rights, said she would ask psychologists to advise if this was the case in the BBC children's show.

She was quoted as saying: "I noticed (Tinky Winky) has a lady's purse, but I didn't realise he's a boy. "At first I thought the purse would be a burden for this Teletubby ... Later I learned that this may have a homosexual undertone."

Poland's conservative government has upset human rights groups and drawn criticism within the EU by apparent discrimination against homosexuals.

But parliamentary speaker Ludwig Dorn said he had warned Sowinska against making public comments "that may turn her department into a laughing stock."

But this in not the first time that the Teletubbies have been in the news on this issue.

The innocent world of the Teletubbies is under attack from America's religious right. The Reverend Jerry Falwell, a former spokesman for America's Moral Majority, has denounced the BBC TV children's show. He says it does not provide a good role model for children because Tinky Winky is gay.

Cheerful Tinky Winky, the purple character with the triangular aerial on his head, carries a handbag - but apart from that seems much the same as his friends Laa-Laa, Dipsy and Po.

The characters are famous for their use of baby language, including the catchphrases "eh-oh" meaning "hello", and "uh-oh" for "oh dear".

But the Teletubbies have made the Rev Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, hot under the collar. He decided to "out" Tinky Winky in the February edition of his National Liberty Journal.

Subtle depictions

In an article called Parents Alert: Tinky Winky Comes Out of the Closet, he says: "He is purple - the gay-pride colour; and his antenna is shaped like a triangle - the gay-pride symbol."

He said the "subtle depictions" of gay sexuality are intentional and later issued a statement that read: "As a Christian I feel that role modelling the gay lifestyle is damaging to the moral lives of children."

In the same article he also condemned the US animated show South Park as "vile and impudent".

The Teletubbies, aimed at pre-school children, is immensely popular in the UK and around the world.

The show was first broadcast on US public TV last spring where it is now as popular as another children's show, Barney, a singing dinosaur. But perhaps parents should beware of Barney as well - he also happens to be purple.

'Absurd and offensive'

The Teletubbies are portrayed by actors in oversized, brightly coloured costumes. They all have television screens on their tummies and, according to the story line, live in a "chromedome" hidden in the hills.

Steve Rice, a spokesman for Itsy Bitsy Entertainment, which licenses the Teletubbies in the US, said : "The fact that he carries a magic bag doesn't make him gay.

"It's a children's show, folks. To think we would be putting sexual innuendo in a children's show is kind of outlandish.

"To out a Teletubby in a pre-school show is kind of sad on his part. I really find it absurd and kind of offensive."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "This is not the first time that people have read symbolism into a children's TV programme and it probably won't be the last. "As far as we are concerned Tinky Winky is simply a sweet, technological baby with a magic bag."

More can also be found on the Salon Newreal, I'm sorry, Tinky Winky

MeMe

2007-05-29T07:36:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by Musing and doing and Woolly Wormhead for 7 things about me. They both tagged me last week and I thought a lot about this and I have to admit that I have had some difficulty to come up with something to write! Anyway I will try my best and see if I can come up with 'me' things...

Rules:
1. Each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their 7 random things and post the rules.
3. At the end of your post you need to tag 7 people and post their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I have a personality disorder! No, it's not a joke! I am what you would call a control freak... I believe that I can protect myself by staying in control of every aspect of my life, including my relationships and I take the need and urge to control to new heights, causing others stress so I can maintain a sense of order. I have to remember that other people are in charge of their own life. And I can't stand mess!

2. I eat everything without salt, I can't taste if there is any salt or not, I know when there is too much thought! There are only three things that I could not eat without salt: fried eggs, chips and pasta.

3. I have 3 points on my driving licence for speeding! Now to my defence, this was really unfair, I do love going fast but at the time of the offence I was only doing 80 miles per hour instead of 70, I wouldn't have minded if I was doing 90 or 100!

4. I drink up to 10 cups of tea a day but no water.

5. I love shellfish and would be very happy to just eat that all day every day.

6. I have two nicknames that my family use: Lucianella and streghetta. Lucianella means little Luciana and 'streghetta' little witch! The second one is used more often than the first!

7. I am not English! (ok this is cheating but I can't think anything else!)

Now I need to think some people to tag: MsFortuknit, forgetfulstitcher9, Knitter Sue, cfknits, Saturday Knit Fever, KnitYoga and Lisa

Life on Mars...

2007-05-20T21:56:00.000+01:00

This has nothing to do with knitting but I had to post it anyway. Life on Mars has just received the Pioneer Audience Award at the Bafta's. Both Nick (my husband) and I are over the moon and not only because we are a big fan of this fantastic drama but mainly because the writer and co-creator is our dear friend Matthew Graham. Nick and Matt have been friends for over 35 years, he really deserves it, well done Matt!

I am so pleased!

2007-05-20T21:41:00.000+01:00

Today I have given Dave his jumper and it look absolutely great! And how handsome he looks.

Spinning

2007-05-17T22:37:00.000+01:00

Last night I went to the Spinning and Chat meeting organized by the Pembrokeshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers I decided that it was time to try and learn to spin, especially after buying a drop spindle last October! The women that I met were very friendly, they have showed me how to use my spindle and I have found out that because my spindle is quite heavy the wool will be quite chunky. This is the proof of my work, ok it's not much but it's a start!

I have also had a go at the Ashford Joy spinning wheel, not only it's a beautiful looking wheel but it works like a dream.

It's time to ...

2007-05-17T22:25:00.000+01:00

show off my knitting! The past two weeks I have been very productive and that's why I didn't blog as much, it's a choice between knitting and blogging.

I am very pleased to say that Dave's jumper is officially FINISHED!!! I have actually finished knitting it 10 days ago but of course it needed to be put together. I have to thanks my dear friend Mandy as she saw it up for me! I know it's cheating but I wanted the jumper to be perfect and as she has years of experience behind I knew that she would do a great job and she did. Thank you very much Mandy, you are a star. I'll be given to Dave on Sunday but this is a preview of the finished project:

I have also finished knitting a tank top from Classic by Erika Knight, one of my favourite knitting designer. It was very easy to knit and very quickly, it could be easily knitted up in a day if only I had the time to just sit around and knit! Strictly speaking is not finished as it's not saw it up yet but I am hoping to do it on Sunday. I have used Rowan Big Wool Fusion which I bought in the sale last year to do a different tank top but never got around to do it, I have also bought 3 balls in very bright pink so if I like how it fit I might do it in pink too!

I have also changed my mind about the cable tank top from the Lang pattern book, I decided to do a cardigan instead.

The wool is so soft, it's really beautiful but I can't say the same for the pattern! It's so bad written, it's a bit of a guess work! Also the ribs is knitted separately and sew it to the back and front after. The only good thing is that it does knit quite quickly, I have finished the back already and nearly half way up the front left side.

The Prayse of the Needle

2007-05-08T19:56:00.000+01:00

Poetry by John Taylor, the Water Poet, (1580-1653)

To all dispersed sorts of arts and trades
I write the needles prayse (that never fades).
So long as children shall be got or borne,
So long as garments shall be made or worne,
So long as hemp or flax, or sheep shall bear
Their linen woolen fleeces yeare by yeare,
So long as silk-wormes, with exhausted spoile,
Of their own entrails for man's gaine shall toyle,
Yea till the world be quite dissolv'd and past,
So long at least, the needles' use shall last.

Wonderwool Wales Show

2007-05-01T19:28:00.000+01:00

18 days left until the Wonderwool Wales show. I am really looking forward to go, a day out surrended by gourgeous wool and lots of workshops to attend. I have had a look at the programmes and I would like to take part to the Sarah Stacey: Intro to Spinning. How to choose and prepare a fleece for hand spinning. There are other two workshops that I would like to go to but they run at the same time as the spinning one!

The list of exhibitors looks really good, in the next few days I will make a note of which one I would like to see so I don't miss them, I might even find some new yarns to added to Foreign Strand!

The youngest knitter around....

2007-04-30T21:49:00.000+01:00

Last Christmas I bought some needles, yarns and book to my two older boys, Max and Sam. Yesterday (Sunday the 29th) I did a bit of knitting with Sam then left the knitting on the table. Here you can see Oliver, who is now 21 months old, attempting knitting, trained them young that's what I say!

Giant Pink Rabbit

2007-04-23T21:21:00.000+01:00

I have known about the giant rabbit for sometimes now and lots of people have been talking about it and posting photos of the bunny on the web; as it's in my home country I thought it would be nice to dedicate a post to it...

A group of artists called Gelitin have KNITTED a huge pink rabbit and left it lying on a hill in Italy. The rabbit is near a town called Artesina, which is in the Alps, a range of mountains in northern Italy.

You can see how big it is here next to a road and a house.

The bunny is SO BIG that it can even be seen using satellite photos from space.

This picture was found using Google Earth - you can see the rabbit right in the middle of the photo.

It took the artists and lots of helpers five years to knit the massive bunny, and they plan to leave it on the hillside for 20 years, until 2025. The whole thing is getting a bit grubby as it's been there more than a year so far, but the artists say that is part of the idea.

They want to see what happens to it over time and to see if there is much left of it after the 20 years are over.

People have come to see the rabbit from all over the world and visitors can sit on it or walk all over it if they want. The pic below shows some people inside the rabbit's massive mouth!

It snows heavily there in winter and the rabbit looks very different under a blanket of snow.

My SP parcel is here!

2007-04-22T14:08:00.000+01:00

It arrived on Friday morning, and these are the things that my secret pal Ruby has sent me...

2 skeins of UK Alpaca in grey

The cutest elephant made from a retro fabric and some spotty ribbon both of which reminds of the 1950's

The card was a very good choice and the badge I can use it on something else, probably on my latest bag...

Thank you very much Ruby, I'll have to put my thinking cap on and work out what to do with the alpaca.

I can't believe I forgot....

2007-04-12T19:11:00.000+01:00

that yesterday has been 1 year since my very first post! I can't believe how much has happened in the past year and the many more exciting things that are about to happen in the next few months. So Happy Birthday to my blog!

Secret Pal Contest

2007-04-11T18:56:00.000+01:00

My first Secret Pal Contest, how exciting....

How old were you when you learned to knit? Who taught you?

I was about 6 years old when my mum taught me how to cast on, and to purl and knit but I wasn't very keen on knitting so I spent most of my days doing other arty things. When I was a teenager (quite a while ago!) I picked up the needles again but once again I failed and after few weeks I gave up again! this time though something had touched me and since then knitting was lost somewhere in my stringy mind.

It was in the summer of 2003 that I finally decide that the time was right for me to became a KNITTER! So together with my dear friend Jessica I went to my local yarn store and picked up some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino to make a baby blanket, that was the start of what has now became my life and work. I learned lots of new techniques from two other friends Angela and Jill, which I envy every day for the wonderful things that they are able to knit and keep remind myself that practice will make me a better knitter; a great excuse to add even more wool to my stash!!!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T11:16:00.000+01:00

Not much knitting, just want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!

Time is ticking...

2007-04-05T20:01:00.000+01:00

I have been talking about Dave's jumper now for so long that I thought it will be nice to actually put some photos up. I have nearly finished the front, but before I could I had to speak to my friend Mandy to make sure that I understood the pattern correctly, I was very pleased to hear that I did understand it but I really didn't want to pull it back again! Anyway I shall finish it this weekend so that will be another piece done!

I have also started the sleeves, yes both of them at the same time using two different balls. This is another of Mandy's tricks so like this the sleeves will be the same lenght.

I like to officially thank Mandy for her help in the making of this jumper, I might just frame it once it's finished instead of giving it to Dave!

Harry Potter Character Combatibility Test

2007-03-28T21:49:00.000+01:00

You scored as Lord Voldemort. You feel that being high in society (or being pure-blood) and having power are two of the most important things of all. You have a constant need to be in control and govern others. Your opinions are very strong and you leave little room for what others have to say. You demand complete loyalty from your friends and those associated with you. You will stop at nothing to get what you want. And though all this ambitiousness can be a good virtue, you may be going overboard.

Lord Voldemort

72%

Sirius Black

69%

Bellatrix Lestrange

69%

Oliver Wood

63%

Percy Weasley

59%

Ron Weasley

59%

Severus Snape

53%

Luna Lovegood

53%

Neville Longbottom

50%

Hermione Granger

50%

Remus Lupin

47%

Harry Potter

44%

Albus Dumbledore

22%

Draco Malfoy

13%

Harry Potter Character Combatibility Test
created with QuizFarm.com

Which button should I pick?

2007-03-25T21:26:00.000+01:00

The buttons for SP10 are finally available, these are my short list:

These are all great but my choice is:

Which Wife of Henry VIIII Are You?

2007-03-19T21:19:00.000Z

I found this test on 'On the Needles' blog and since I have developed an obsessions for non-sense test I had to add this one to my collection so dear fellow knitters:

and this description of her really made me laugh:

Poor Katherine Howard. She was a horny young teenager and Henry was a fat old man with a crusty sore on his leg when he fell in love with her and made her his Queen.

He called her his "Rose Without Thorns", but poor little Katherine fell in love with the sexy rogue Thomas Culpepper and so she was beheaded. So as not to make a mess of things, she had the chopping block brought up to her room so she could practice on it.

The last laugh was Katherine's: standing at the scaffold, she said "I die a Queen but I would rather die the wife of Culpepper." which probably pissed off Henry really good.

Whip your knitting into shape...

2007-03-19T20:22:00.000Z

I discipline my yarn. I force in into the form I want it to take. I am persistent, firm and commanding. I am the DomiKNITrix.

Don't worry I haven't gone mad or joined a cult, this is how the DomiKNITrix book starts and what a great book it is!

I am well known in collecting knitting books that do not appeal to everyone, my collection is quite bizarre and when I came cross this one on Amazon it was love at first sight... Not only I think it's a great book but a wonderful reading too, I like the way the book is been put together, every page is thought carefully and before you start a project it gives you an overview of what technique you will be learning. There is though a big difference compare to my other books, this one has actually got patterns that I will definitely knit, start my walk into became a woman who dominates her knitting!

I have to admit that not all the patterns are my taste sop this is a short list of my favourites: I immediately fell in love with the Diva Halter pattern, it's so me, if only I had the courage to take up Jennifer Stafford's advice: You can knit this sexy little top in only a few hours - start it in the morning and then go on all night. yes I know I first have to finish Dave's jumper!!!

I also really like this man jumper, so I might knit it for Nick but I will spoil myself first! It's called the Big Bad Wolf Pullover but there are a choice of charts so if he doesn't like the wolf, he can choose between the Skull, Bob Dobbs, Bruce Lee, Che Guevara or Malcolm X.....

And finally what I think is the best pattern in the entire book, the Mod Coat, what can I say? the photo says it all...

What a day!

2007-03-18T21:19:00.000Z

I am rarely ill but I came down with a cold yesterday and I felt so ill today that I have spent the day in bed to try and catch up to some much needed rest. I feel much better now but feel very guilty as I had promise myself to finish the front of Dave's jumper by tonight instead I have spent the day reading blogs! I was reading my SP9 Lucia's blog and found a link to the swap-bot, not to say that I have registered to it but I haven't signed up to any swaps, yet! but there are a couple that really take my fancy. Oh, dear, like if I need anymore swaps!

I have also been keeping a close look at the SP10 blog as in the next few days things should start to happen, the full participants page will go up and by the middle of next week the new buttons will became available too. I have also submitted Foreign Strand to the vendors page so fingers crossed.

Something new to start...

2007-03-18T20:59:00.000Z

Three weeks ago I went to a knitting show in Excel, London, the main reason for the visit was work and before I got there I promised myself not to buy anymore wool but I failed, miserably! I didn't buy much and I got a great deal so I can justify my latest purchase. So this is what a bought:

3 skeins of Lang Zoom in green to knit this gorgeous tank top. The yarn is so incredibly soft it's 60% merino extra fine, 30% cotton and 10% nylon.

3 skeins of Lang Zoom in brown/grey to knit this scarf. The yarn is the same one as for the tank top.

As I haven't finished knitting Dave's jumper I can't start these projects yet but I am hoping to get that finished asap before I get completely bored with it!

Secret Pal has started!

2007-03-16T12:54:00.000Z

Secret Pal 10 has officialy started! I have been contacted by my Upstream Pal, who is the one who is sending to me. Like me she has a big love for the 1950 and 1940's, I am really looking forward to get to know her in the next few weeks. I have also contacted the person that I am spoiling, she is Italian and lives where my dad's lived for years, spooky! I really think that the organizer of my group has done a great job in matching people up, I'm sure that it's going to be a great round!

Personality Disorder Test

2007-03-13T07:03:00.000Z

Personality Disorder Test Results

Paranoid	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	38%
Schizoid	\|\|\|\|	14%
Schizotypal	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	54%
Antisocial	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Borderline	\|\|\|\|\|\|	30%
Histrionic	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	70%
Narcissistic	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	62%
Avoidant	\|\|\|\|\|\|	30%
Dependent	\|\|\|\|\|\|	22%
Obsessive-Compulsive	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	78%

Take Free Personality Disorder Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Disorder Info

Eccentric Personality Disorders: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal

Individuals with these disorders often appear odd or peculiar.

Paranoid Personality Disorder - individual generally tends to interpret the actions of others as threatening.

Schizoid Personality Disorder - individual generally detached from social relationships, and shows a narrow range of emotional expression in various social settings.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder - individual is uncomfortable in close relationships, has thought or perceptual distortions, and peculiarities of behavior.

Dramatic Personality Disorders: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic

Individuals with these disorders have intense, unstable emotions, distorted self-perception, and/or behavioral impulsiveness.

Antisocial Personality Disorder - individual shows a pervasive disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others.

Borderline Personality Disorder - individual shows a generalized pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and observable emotions, and significant impulsiveness.

Histrionic Personality Disorder - individual often displays excessive emotionality and attention seeking in various contexts. They tend to overreact to other people, and are often perceived as shallow and self-centered.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder - individual has a grandiose view of themselves, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in various situations. These individuals are very demanding in their relationships.

Anxious Personality Disorders: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive

Individuals with these disorders often appear anxious or fearful.

Avoidant Personality Disorder - individual is socially inhibited, feels inadequate, and is oversensitive to criticism

Dependent Personality Disorder - individual shows an extreme need to be taken care of that leads to fears of separation, and passive and clinging behavior.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder - individual is preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

General Note: the validity and reliability of DSM personality disorders are still lacking in strong statistical evidence and clear agreement in the scientific and medical community. They are determined by the American Psychiatric Association and will likely be revised in the future.
Author Note: I don't think Schizoid personality is a valid disorder (read), some of the smartest people in history were schizoid because they occupied a remote end of the intelligence bell curve. Schizotypal personality can encompass highly original thinkers as well as totally insane people so I think it's a flawed type. I think the remaining eight disorders are generally valid.

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

2007-03-12T22:38:00.000Z

I have done it again! I have decided to join Secret Pal 10 and this is my revised questionnaire. The fun will start on the 15th of March and I have already been given my match, I am very excited as I get to spoil an Italian in Italy, more about her in the next few days. Now here are my answers for this round:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn; it's more the colour that I am drawn to. There are quite few yarns that I haven’t tried like the Alpaca, Recycled Silk and Angora – already on my list. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My 'non working needles' are stored in a Namaste needle binder in camel available from Foreign Strand.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books, not that I ‘need’ anymore but I have an obsession for funky weird books, with patterns which I would never knit!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth but don’t get me near an Hotel Chocolate shop. Favorite candy? I like liquorice of any kind.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I don't really have much time to do anything else a part from knitting and blogging! I love baking and make jam, even though I don't eat it but that’s what my children are for. Do you spin? No, but I would like to try hand spin with a drop spindle which I have together with a very good and easy book.

8. What kind of music do you like? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, no problems.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade in particularly antique pink, but as long as it's pink it's fine! red: hot, sexy and so warm and brown, especially in winter. Any colors you just can't stand? I am not too keen on blue (turquoise not included), yellow and orange.

10. What is your family situation? I have been married to Nick for the past 8 years and we have 3 boys age 6 and 5 years old and 20 months. Do you have any pets? We don't have any pets as my oldest is allergic to animal hair, I would love to have a cat though.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear all of the above except hats, I have short hair and it would ruin my style!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I haven’t knitted long enough to decide what are my favourite items.

13. What are you knitting right now? My brother-in-law, Dave’s jumper. I can’t knit anything else until that’s finished, deadline his 40th birthday on the 22nd of May.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts, very personal and unique.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I don't use circular needles much but I have a large collection of straight needles in bamboo, rosewood and glass. I love needles so I always find an excuse to buy some more even though I might not need them... yet!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my chairs in the dining room work a treat.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Several projects on the go so not too sure which one is my oldest UFO.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn, needles and knitting books… I collect tree ferns and adore anything from the 1950.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? There is always something that I like to get but my short list at the moment is: Books: Fitted Knits: 25 Projects for the Fashionable Knitter by Stefanie Japel; Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet by Pam Allen. This two would just fit my collection of silly books very nicely: Hookorama: 25 Fabulous Things to Crochet by Rachael Matthews and Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits by Share Ross. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I’m subscribed to Rowan International, Simply Knitting, Knitting, Vogue International, Interweave Knits, Knit1 and Knit Simple.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? As I am not a very experienced knitter there are quite a few techniques that I haven’t tried. I would like to try lace patterns and felting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? I wouldn’t call myself that really, I am knitting my second sock and it’s going very slowly but I am enjoying it. What are your foot measurements? I am not sure how to work this out but I have a small feet UK size 3½, European 36.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 6th of October

Thank you, Lucia!

2007-03-11T21:47:00.000Z

I know it's been a while but I finally got around to photograph all the beautiful yarns that my SP9, Lucia, has sent me. The first parcel arrived at the beginning of January and it was all about my second favourite colour: red. Everything in and out was red, from the tissue paper to the yarns! And this is the wonderful selection that she sent me:

3 skeins of Misti Alpaca it's 80% Baby Suri Alpaca & 20% Silk, extremely soft! I'm really looking forward to knit it as I haven't knit anything with Alpaca yet so the search will soon start to find the perfect pattern to match this amazing yarn.

2 skeins of Beyond by Southwest Trading Company, 100% Cotton

A skein of Plymouth Yarn, called Wildflower DK Fancy

A Peace Fleece Wrapping Twine by Peace Fleece not sure what to do with this one but I really loved reading through their website.

And finally from my red parcel, there was a lovely silk tafeta bag from Lantern Moon.

Soon after I moved in my new house, to my surprise I got my last parcel from Lucia, which revealed her identity and it's all pink!!!

2 skeins of sock yarn by LuLu's Yarns

and finally 3 skeins of Fable by Artful Yarns

I haven't made up my mind of what to knit with some of the yarns but once Dave's jumper is finished I'll be at least surrondend by amazing yarns and will worry about the patterns later! Once again thank you Lucia, you have been a great secret pal!

Visual DNA

2007-03-08T20:54:00.000Z

I found this on the glittyknittykitty blog and I had a go, the result was incredibly accurate! Spooky!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

So here I am again!

2007-03-04T20:52:00.000Z

So here I am again! so much as happened in the past two months that it's hard to know where to start. I suppose the most important news is that I have become Namaste exclusive European distributor, this is a great achievement for me especially as Foreign Strand is only been trading since July 2006. As a result of this Nick and I have decided to move house as we needed more space, on the 13th of January we relocated from St. Albans to Pembrokeshire, quite a change really, life is so much calmer, it's nice not to rush around all the time. I have to admit that it's taking me a while to get back into knitting after the long break, but I have managed to finish a scarf for my best friend Giada's birthday!

The pattern is from the One Skein book but as it's much longer I had to use 2 skeins instead but the result is great!

Pattern: Double Cable Scarf
Book: One Skein
Needles: 5mm - instead of 5.5mm
Yarn: Rowan Classic Yarns Soft Lux
Composition: 60% extra fine merino wool, 10% angora, 24% nylon, 2% metallic fibre
Weight: 50 grams
Wash: Hand wash only; cool iron; do not bleach; do not tumble dry. Dry flat out of direct heat & sunlight.

I have picked up Dave's jumper again, deadline 22nd of May just in time for his 40th birthday, I CAN'T knit anything else until it's finished otherwise he'll never forgive me for this! (after all it was supposed to be finished for Christmas!)

I'm back from the 'non-technological' world....

2007-02-15T08:27:00.000Z

It's been so long since the last time I have posted....I am putting together a post about everything that's happened but that might take a few days to complete so just to keep you in the loop:

I've moved house and business on the 13th of January
My car was destroyed on the 11th of January! Some idiot lost control of his car while going at 60 miles/ph and smashed in my car parked outside my old house.
I have only been reconnected to the broadband on Monday (12/02) after 4 weeks!!!

Most importantly though I would like to thank my secret pal Lucia for the gorgeous red parcel and another pink one, I'll be showing off the amazing yarns she sent me in my next post... Grazie e' stato un piacere avere te come amica segreta e scusa se nelle ultime settimane sono scomparsa!

One more weird thing...

2007-01-05T14:11:00.000Z

Since doing the weirdness game I am constantly thinking about more weird thing that I do and I thought that this one had to be added to the list:
7- I always brush my teeth with hot water!

Maybe I should stop or I'll never stop my weird list...

Weird...who me?

2007-01-04T20:49:00.000Z

cfknits has tagged me!

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.’ People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1- I change my hairstyle every 8 weeks! I have been doing this for the past 15 years, now I am starting to run out of ideas, and my hair colour changes at least 3 or 4 times a year too.

2- I eat my vegetables in type groups, peas are always the last thing I eat as they are my favourite. Also I would never mix two things together, like eat carrots and peas at the same time or meat with a vegetable, everything I eat is on its own.

3- I am obsessed with cleaning and tidyness, in fact my husband calls me a control freak!

4- I collect cloth dolls with spare clothes, so once every couple of months I change their clothes with a helping hand from my children.

5- I speak English with an Italian accent and Italian with an English accent, I can't win!

6- I don't like coffee (espresso) which is the most weird thing about me as I am Italian!

I'm tagging:
annarella
Musing and doing
Frog in knots
Woolly Wormhead
The Knitting Princess and the Pea
17% Geek
Let's see how weird these lot are....

I'm off....

2006-12-14T06:00:00.000Z

to New York today! I'm very excited, I have never been there lots to see whenever I have some free time from various business meetings. I'll be back on Monday morning, full report on Tuesday, I do hope I find some amazing yarns....

Allan's scarf

2006-12-10T07:38:00.000Z

Pattern: Double Cable Scarf
Book: One Skein
Needles: 5mm - instead of 5.5mm
Yarn: Rowan Magpie
Composition: 100% Pure New Wool
Weight: 100 grams
Wash: Dry clean or hand wash in soapflakes; do not soak; cool rinse; do not wring; short spin; do not leave wet; reshape and dry flat away from direct sunlight; use damp pressing cloth.

Superwoman is not a match...

2006-12-10T07:34:00.000Z

Ok I haven't been blogging for a while but I have done a reasonable amount of knitting to make up for - sorry no photos yet, but that's not all... Foreign Strand is taking on two distributions deal from America, I'm moving with my family to Wales, and I'm going to New York next Thursday, the 14th, to sign the contracts with my suppliers. Not to say that I have been rushing around like a lunatic - some of my friends might think it's not much difference from my normal behaviour, anyway... First I had to set up the distribution side of Foreign Strand, so much work it's too long even to consider listing it, then I had to organize my trip to NY. As we are moving, I had to find a new house - not easy when you are moving nearly 5 hours away from were I live now! We will rent for a while, far too much stress in buying at the moment and bless my sister in law who had to go and see 3 houses for us, photograph each one and give me the full report but all her hard work has paid off and we have found the perfect house to rent. We are moving on the 10th of January and I'll be start working as a distributor on the 15th, so only 4 days to unpack and sort the entire place! School for Max & Sam is now sorted, likely there is one in the village we are moving in so they can walk to school. I started packing, do a bit of knitting oh and it's Christmas in 15 days and I haven't done any shopping or wrote a single card yet!!! AHHHH!!! I am hoping I'll be able to do some of my shopping while I'm in NY otherwise Tuesday the 19th is Christmas shopping day for me! or they can all have old socks!

Update 1

2006-11-26T17:15:00.000Z

So many things have happened since my last post that it's hard to know where to begin. Well the latest and most excited news is that I got my very first SP9 parcel, with the most beautiful yarns, all mine! The yarns were individually wrapped in pink tissue paper.

As my Secret Pal wrote in her card...since I like pink...

This is a 100% Australian Wool from Full Thread Ahead, in a bulky weight. I don't have any design for it but it's screaming SCARFFFFF!

The second package had two balls of Fixation yarn from Cascade Yarns in a pale pink.

The last package had a lovely skein called Windsong from Cherry Tree Hill in Winterberry's colour. I'll probably make a nice scarf with it to use in spring.

Grazie Secret Pal, la lana é stupenda, sicuramente inizierò la sciarpa prima di Natale.

So Christmas is less than 4 weeks away and unfortunately Dave's jumper won't be ready! I had to pull it back twice so I am a bit sick of it and it takes me so long to knit one row - 4 minutes!!! I am really disappointed but I'll make sure that it will be ready for his birthday in May, that should be enough time to finish it. I have to say that after the jumper I was desperate to knit something that it was easy and fast so I have knitted a scarf for my father in law from one of my favourite book One Skein by Leigh Radford. The scarf it's a double cable scarf and I have knitted it with a 100% pure new wool hank from Rowan called Magpie in a deep red. It's the first time that I have done cables and it's not as difficult that I thought but than it's only a scarf!

Secret Pal

2006-11-05T07:41:00.000Z

I received two emails from my Secret Pal this week, and what a surprise to find out that she is Italian too! but even more to receive an email in my own language. The second email on Friday was to let me know that she has posted me my first package, I can't wait it arrives. The Secret Pal I am spoiling has received my parcel this week too, I am so pleased she liked everything I sent her, busy to think what to send her next.

Knitting week update - 2nd part

2006-11-05T07:33:00.000Z

I've spent both Thursday and Friday evening knitting Dave's jumper, there are so many stitches that takes ages to do one row! No much of a point to include any pictures, I'll upload one during the coming week. Only 7 weeks until Christmas!

Knitting week update

2006-11-02T12:00:00.000Z

I have decided to keep a record of how much or litte I knit this week! Before I had the business I would knit for at least 2 hours every night but since I have a blog I spend most of my evenings looking at other people's blogs. So this is an update so far of my week.

Monday
My week has started with going to my knitting group, 3 hours of knitting and talking about it, no kids to look after or other modern distractions. These are some of our regulars in action.

I have started a scarf for my mother-in-law with a skein of mohair yarn called Bubbles, from MoBair by Victoria Smedley. I bought two skeins while exhibiting at Alexandra Palace, one for her and one for me. The yarn is random dyed in Autumn colours, and to enhance the beauty of the yarn I am knitting it on 15mm needles in garter stitches.

Finally I finished the back of Dave's jumper, with a little help from Mandy. Coincidentelly we both started to knit the same pattern without knowing it about it, how spooky! The good think is that whenever I get stuck, she knows how to solve the problem.

Tuesday
I have finished the scarf for my mother-in-law, not bad considering I only started it yesterday.

I casted on the front of Dave's jumper, I really need to get on with it if I want to have it finished by Christmas!

Wednesday
I haven't done any knitting tonight, instead I went out with my friend!

Plants & flowers

2006-10-27T14:40:00.000+01:00

Autumn is my favourite season, I love the colours around me, life seam to go back to normal after the summer break. I was in my garden, checking my plant pots and I got captured by the beautiful colours of my Japanese Acer. Its foliage has turned from dark red to the most amazing bright red that I have ever seen.

I received these beautiful flowers from my sister and brother in-law, to congratulated me on the success of Foreign Strand at Alexandra Palace. The colour choice: Foreign Strand company colours, red and yellow.

Knitting?

2006-10-26T13:08:00.000+01:00

I haven't done much knitting recently, I have been so busy with Foreign Strand, Alexandra Palace, house, kids, work, that I don't seam to find the time for it. As a result I have decided that next week it's going to be 'knitting week'! I'm planning to knit every day for at least 2 hours, so I can get some of my UFO finished and perhaps starts something new too. I am going to look at my stash and make a list of what I would like to knit and not buying anymore wool until my trunk is at least half empty! Can I resist the temptation? Only time will tell....

What a surprise!

2006-10-26T07:40:00.000+01:00

This morning the postman has brought me a package and it was from my Secret Pal. I was very excited as I knew that soon I would receive my first parcel from her but I was even more surprise to find out that it wasn't my first parcel but a belated birthday package! How sweet is that?

The parcel had the most beautiful merino hank of yarn from Cherry Tree Hill in my favourite colours of reds and pinks with a strand of glitter. The photo doesn't do justice to it!

She also sent me two bars of chocolate 'Slate of Bliss'. The one in the purple box is espresso and milk chocolate and the red one is cacao and dark chocolate. I nice treat after a hard day work with a nice cup of tea...

And to finish she sends me this beautiful card explaining me about the package.

Thank you my Secret Pal it was a lovely surprise. I am so excited I can hardly wait to start knitting!

How many?

2006-10-22T20:37:00.000+01:00

I saw this on blueadt knits and I can't believe the results!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
4,500
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Statistically the 2762nd most popular first name. I couldn't stop there so I did it for my husband and children and the results are:

There are 412,457 people in the U.S. with the first name Nicholas

14,998 people in the U.S. with the first name Maxwell

460,452 people in the U.S. with the first name Samuel

59,994 people in the U.S. with the first name Oliver

Alexandra Palace

2006-10-17T22:29:00.000+01:00

Foreign Strand was exhibiting at the Knitting and Stitch Show last week and the success was unreal. Our products were bought by designer Jane Crowfoot, Debbie Abrahams and Debbie Bliss and we had 110 sales in 4 days which isn't bad! It was incredibly hard work setting it all up, be there for 4 days, getting up every morning at 5:15 am, commute into London and stay up until 10 o'clock at night but the reward is invaluable. I am now busy to organize to have Foreign Strand featured in various magazines and I hope that after the show things will really start to happen. At this point I would like to thanks my three knitter friends Angela, Gill and Mandy, I couldn't have done it if I didn't have their help which it goes a huge thank you and I hope they have enjoyed it as much as I did!

The time has came

2006-10-11T13:22:00.000+01:00

I am so excited! Foreign Strand will be at the Knitting and Stitch Show from tomorrow until Sunday. My husband went off to London first thing this morning to take the stock and furnitures for the stand, I'll be there by 8 in the morning to finish it off. I am nervous too though, I do hope that it's going to go well.

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

2006-10-03T09:50:00.000+01:00

The fun is starting! This is the opening questionnaire for the Secret Pal 9, this will help my Secret Pal to find out about me, so here we go...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn; it's more the colour that I am drawn to. There are quite few yarns that I haven’t tried like the Alpaca, Recycled Silk and Angora – already on my list. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My 'non working needles' are stored in an old wooden trunk along with my collection of wool; each size is tied together with a pink ribbon, easy to find the one I need. I also have a size 25-30 mm in a corner of my sitting room, these needles are nearly 5 foot long so not easy to store them but they are the talking point of the room so why hide them!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books and some Christmas ideas for my husband and children - never too early to think about it!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth. Favorite candy? I like liquorice.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I don't really have much time to do anything else a part from knitting and blogging! I love baking and make jam, even though I don't eat it but that’s what my children are for. Do you spin? I have just bought a drop spindle to teach myself how to hand spin, I just need to find the right wool to do it.

8. What kind of music do you like? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, no problems.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade in particularly antique pink, but as long as it's pink it's fine! and red: hot, sexy and so warm. Any colors you just can't stand? I am not too keen on blue (turquoise not included), yellow and orange.

10. What is your family situation? I have been married to Nick for the past 8 years and we have 3 boys age 6 and 5 years old and 15 months. Do you have any pets? We don't have any pets as my oldest is allergic to animal hair, I would love to have a cat though.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear all of the above except hats, I have short hair and it would ruin my style!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I haven’t knitted long enough to decide what are my favourite items.

13. What are you knitting right now? A man's jumper, a cardigan for my son, a scarf and the second of my 1st pair of socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts, very personal and unique.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I haven't used circular needles yet. I have a large collection of straight needles in bamboo, rosewood and now glass. I love needles so I always find an excuse to buy some more even though I might not need them... yet!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my chairs in the dining room work a treat.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? As I juggle several projects at the same time, at the moment my oldest UFO is 3 months.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn, needles and knitting books… I collect tree ferns and adore anything from the 1950.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? There is always something that I like to get but my short list is: Books: Naughty Needles: Sexy, Saucy Knits for the Bedroom and Beyond by Nikol Lohr; Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time by Betty Christiansen and Not Your Mama's Knitting: The Cool and Creative Way to Pick Up Sticks by Heather Dixon. Pattens: Skinny Tube Baguette, Majolica Vases and The Unfurling Rose by Noni. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I’m subscribed to Rowan International, Simply Knitting, Knitting, Vogue International, Interweave Knits, Knit1 and Knit Simple.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? As I am not a very experienced knitter there are quite a few techniques that I haven’t tried. I would like to try cables and lace patterns and felting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? I wouldn’t call myself that really, I am knitting my second sock and it’s going very slowly but I am enjoying it. What are your foot measurements? I am not sure how to work this out but I have a small feet UK size 3½, European 36.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 6th of October

When knitting becomes an obsession

2006-09-28T16:34:00.000+01:00

This must be the video clip of the year! The Last Knit This is what a call a woman with a mission!